Curlew Connections Wales
Curlew Connections Wales is working to bring back the haunting call of the curlew to the uplands of Bannau Brycheiniog.
Protecting an iconic bird
The Eurasian curlew, with its distinctive call and long, curved bill, is one of the most iconic birds of the Welsh uplands. Once a common sight, its numbers have declined sharply in recent decades due to habitat loss, changes in land use and increased predation. Curlew Connections Wales is working to reverse that decline and secure a future for this much-loved species.
Why curlews matter
Curlews are part of the cultural and natural heritage of Wales. Their presence signals healthy grasslands and upland habitats, and their song has inspired generations of poetry, art and folklore. Losing curlews would mean not only the disappearance of a species, but the loss of a sound and symbol that belongs to the identity of our landscapes.
The project’s approach
Curlew Connections Wales brings together land managers, conservation organisations and local communities to protect curlew nesting sites and improve habitats. Actions include sustainable grazing management, predator control, nest monitoring and public awareness campaigns. By combining science with community action, the project aims to create landscapes where curlews can once again breed successfully.
Working together for recovery
The project is part of wider efforts to restore biodiversity across Wales and links directly to the Nature Recovery Action Plan. Everyone can play a role, from farmers who manage land for wildlife, to volunteers who help monitor nests, to residents and visitors who give curlews space during the breeding season. By working together, we can ensure the curlew’s call continues to echo across the uplands.
