European Curlew Fieldworker Workshop 2026

European Curlew Fieldworker Workshop 2026

By Curlew Action

Overview

A workshop for Eurasian Curlew fieldworkers from across Europe to share information and best practice in practical Curlew conservation

Our in-person European Curlew Fieldworker Workshop will return in February 2026! You can read the report from our successful first Workshop here.

100% of attendees surveyed in 2024 reported that they would be interested in attending the workshop a second time.

Join us for this weekend of talks, discussions and entertainment where we will be focusing on Curlew fieldwork. Open to all, but specifically designed for fieldworkers, your ticket includes access to the event, meals, two nights' accomodation, evening entertainment and a trip to Morecambe Bay on Sunday morning to visit the world-famous Morecambe Bay Estuary.

The weekend sessions will include:

  • Failed eggs - latest research.
  • Monitoring chicks and counting fledglings.
  • Predator control - lethal, non-lethal or both? Which predators?
  • Do Action Plans Work? A panel discussion.
  • A 'Have Your Say' session - your chance to take the mic.
  • Drones and apps - what's available and how best to use them
  • Women in fieldwork - the benefits and problems of being a female fieldworker.
  • Ecological grief - coping with the emotions of working with a declining species.

Please note this is a developing schedule and may change. Updates will be made to the event page and e-mailed to attendees nearer the time. There will be plenty of opportunity for networking, informal conversation and sharing ideas.

Tickets are limited and sold out in 2024- book early to avoid disappointment.

Please consider donating if you can. Thank you!

Agenda

Have a look at our rough agenda below, to be finalised nearer the time.

Getting There

Information on how best to make your way to the venue will be communicated closer to the event, however, the city of Lancaster can be reached directly by train from Manchester Airport, as well as being well served by train from other cities. The train station is about 30 minutes from the venue by bus (15 min drive/1h15min walk).

Payment

If you would like to pay Curlew Action directly for the event, by way of receiving an invoice, please contact Charlie at charlie@curlewaction.org.

We understand the amount may be a barrier to some people attending, so please use the 'Donate' button to pay a lesser amount if you require, or e-mail Charlie to discuss. We are fundraising to offer as much delegate support as we can.

Have Something to Say?

Have you got something you'd like to say? Over the weekend we can give you a (short) slot if you have a topic for discussion. Let us know by e-mailing Charlie beforehand or let us know when there: charlie@curlewaction.org

Have a Question?

Send any questions you may have about the event to charlie@curlewaction.org.

Category: Science & Tech, Other

Good to know

Highlights

  • 2 days 2 hours
  • In person

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 14 days before event

Location

Lancaster University Lancaster Conferences

County Avenue

Bailrigg LA1 4YD United Kingdom

How do you want to get there?

Agenda
14:00 - 15:00

Arrivals, tea and cake

Reception room

Drop off your bags in your room and come to the event space for tea and cake before we begin.

15:00 - 15:10

Welcome from Curlew Action

David Hill

David Hill, Chair of Curlew Action, welcomes everyone to the second Curlew Action in-person European Fieldworker Workshop. We hope this meeting will build on the success of the first meeting in Norfolk in 2024, and the second online workshop on headstarting in February 2025.

15:10 - 15:40

Talk - Mary's Curlew Walk: 10 Years On, What Has Changed?

Mary Colwell

2026 marks the 10th year anniversary of Mary Colwell's 500-mile Curlew Walk when she walked from the West of Ireland to the East of England to find out why Curlews were disappearing. The result of the walk was her book "Curlew Moon" and the charity Curlew Action, as well as other events and activities. Over the last 10 years the plight of Curlews has become much better understood in the scientific, public, political and conservation sectors, but are we winning the battle to save them? How has Curlew conservation changed and where is it heading?

Organised by

Curlew Action

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£379.90
Feb 6 · 14:00 GMT