‘Five nests located and protected; Ten chicks hatched and ringed; Twelve further chicks sighted!’ announced a delighted David Gardiner, Chair of Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project, who recently welcomed volunteers to an illustrated review. ‘I wanted to celebrate the group’s fantastic achievements over the past year, now that our local curlews have made their way to coastal areas to overwinter’, David said.

The review included stunning photographs and wonderfully evocative videos compiled by John and Rosamund Macfarlane, award winning wildlife photographers, who have been recording the activities of both curlews and volunteers in and around the Cocker Valley, creating an invaluable asset bank.

Over the year, more than forty volunteers from the local and wider community have been actively involved in various essential roles and those in the field have worked tirelessly throughout the spring and summer to locate, protect and save curlews and their chicks. ‘It’s thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers that the number of local sightings has greatly increased, giving a broader, detailed and positive picture for saving additional nests next year. Through these observations, we have learned much more about curlew behaviours, activities and calls’, David continued.

David went on to emphasise that the growing interest, help and co-operation of farmers and landowners is crucial to the success of the project (at least fourteen farmers provided active support) and the group can now access more land to locate nests, erect protective fences and monitor nests and chicks. ‘Farmers have flagged up sightings of curlews, as well as notifying the group when silage will be cut, giving the opportunity to spot any alarmed birds and preventing nests from being destroyed- and in one case, rescuing and saving chicks’, David said.

One volunteer spoke enthusiastically about his experience ‘It’s a joy to be involved in this project- it’s such rewarding and important work. I’ve learned so much about these amazing birds, met some great people and I’m looking forward to next spring, when the curlews return’, he said.

After enjoying a delicious buffet and home baked cakes, the group made plans for the coming spring - excited by the news that further funding has been awarded from FiPL, (Farming in Protected Landscapes), taking it forward into its third successful year. The purchase of specialist equipment will significantly enhance the group’s ability to ensure the survival and increase of the local population of our iconic curlews.

Safely hatched and ringed curlew chicks Photo: J&R Macfarlane

The Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project, (as part of Melbreak Wildlife Group, initiated by Melbreak Communities), was launched in 2024 and has been funded by FiPL, through LDNPA. For further information please contact david.gardiner@btinternet.com