The 'State of Birds in Wales 2018' report indicated that “more than three quarters of the Welsh curlew population has disappeared over the last 25 years, with no hint of this trend levelling out”, with recent statistics indicating that it continues to fall by over 6 per cent annually, with country-level extinction threatened by 2033. Curlew is now considered to be the most pressing bird conservation priority in Wales.
Mark Isherwood organised a meeting between the Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS and representatives of Gylfinir Cymru, the Welsh Curlew Partnership, to discuss a Wales level-conservation plan. The plan, launching later this year, sets out how to avoid curlew becoming extinct as breeding bird in Wales by 2033 and the wider benefits to society, benefits for key species of conservation concern and benefits for climate change that flow from management for Curlew.
GWCT Wales was one of those representing the 16 members of Gylfinir Cymru in the meeting. The Minister said “I am persuaded for the need for curlew recovery and keen to know more detail over how we Welsh Government can help that recovery”.
GWCT Wales has been a compiler in developing the Action Plan, which will be launched this November. This Action Plan is designed to align actions for recovery with the AEWA International Species Action for Curlew; aimed at preventing the disappearance of breeding curlew from Wales as the foundation of a longer-term vision to restore a viable population.