Curlews and Grouse Moors

Widespread research confirms that the rapid decline in Curlew populations is due to the failure to produce enough young to offset the normal adult mortality.

The main causes are early grass cutting and predation on the eggs and chicks. Even where grass is managed in a curlew-friendly manner, predation usually destroys the eggs and chicks.

The only areas where curlews are known to produce sufficient young to maintain their numbers are areas with predator control. The most important in the uplands are grouse moors. This presentation will summarise the evidence for this view.