Biodiversity Action Plan
Curlew
The
curlew is a species of conservation concern in the UK because of declines in breeding numbers. In the recent review of the UKBAP list of priority species, curlew was added due to international responsibility
and moderate decline in the UK.
Curlew breed in most open habitats in the Peak District, including moorland and upland pasture, and the adults feed on ground-living invertebrates. A mosaic of tall tussocky vegetation with shorter grassy areas, together with wetter places for foraging provides an ideal habitat mix. Low grazing levels and limited or no use of fertilisers also helps to provide appropriate conditions for these large wading birds.
The Peak Birds Project has been working with farmers to encourage sympathetic land management, and is able to assist with small habitat creation projects. This includes work aimed at increasing numbers of curlew, lapwing and twite.
Curlew action plan
(290KB) 
Revised BAP Targets
- Maintain or increase the current moorland range of curlew in the Peak District (at least 367 occupied km squares in 2004 surveys) by 2010
- Maintain or increase the current farmland range of curlew in the Peak District (estimated at least 140 occupied km squares from combined 2002 and 2004 surveys) by 2010
- Maintain or increase the current number of moorland breeding pairs (approximately 545 pairs in 2004 surveys) by 2010
- Maintain or increase the current number of farmland breeding pairs (approximately 341 pairs from combined 2002 and 2004 surveys) by 2010
