Curlew Workshops
Thank you to everyone who supported my Curlew Walk. This is the next step. These meetings are a direct result of what I found out and will keep the momentum going. As an independent I can bring everyone together.

In November 2016 and February 2017 I am organizing, with collaborators, 2 curlew workshops to find solutions to the dramatic decline of curlews across Britain and Ireland. One to be held in Ireland, where the situation is critical, the one in Gloucestershire is for lowland breeding curlews.
This is an appeal to help me cover the costs of holding the meetings.

Curlews In Crisis in Ireland. November 4th 2016
Curlews are in imminent danger of extinction in Southern Ireland. Recent surveys estimate fewer than 130 pairs left in the whole country, compared to 12,000 pairs in the 1980s that is a dramatic decline. The reasons are varied but all related to the way land is used.

Curlews in Crisis will be held in the centre of Ireland near Athlone. It will bring together people from all sectors (farming, conservation, peat extraction, etc) to exchange experiences of working with the birds and to discuss what action needs to happen.

The result will be a document of concrete recommendations, based on direct field experience, which will be used to inform environmental policy. This is a vital meeting if we are to halt the extinction in Ireland of this iconic and beautiful bird of farm and upland - time is running out.

Lowland Breeding Curlews Workshop - Gloucestershire, February 2nd 2017. Venue TBC
Most breeding curlews are now found in upland areas, however breeding curlews were once widespread throughout the lowlands of Britain in species rich grasslands, hay fields, meadows and flood plains. Sadly, lowland curlews have declined the most, disappearing completely from many areas. This meeting will produce a document of recommendations for direct actions to encourage birds back to lowland Britain. More details to follow.