How Northumberland National Park is protecting the curlew

Britain’s curlews populations are in worrying decline – but Northumberland National Park still supports good numbers. Ecologist Gill Thompson gives us a glimpse into the National Park’s work to protect this beautiful bird.

I grew up in the Lake District swimming, boating, fishing and walking, so was outside a lot enjoying what makes the National Park a wonderful place to be.

I studied biology and ecology and after jobs with a Wildlife Trust and a consultancy I started working for Northumberland National Park.  I have worked here for over 26 years so I must like it!

It is a real privilege to get the chance to experience the National Park in all seasons and see changes over time. My favourite view or experience is usually the one that has just happened, which means there is always something to look forward to.

As the ecologist of Northumberland National Park, I feel it is an honour, but also a pressure to have the curlew as our emblem.

A day in the life of an ecologist

Curlews – most commonly the Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata) – are the UK’s largest wading birds. They are instantly recognisable by their long legs, mottled brown plumage and distinctive down-curved bill, which they use to probe deep into soft ground for food like worms, insects and larvae.

Their watery, bubbling call is one of the most evocative sounds of the British uplands and wetlands and a goosebump-raising sign of the arrival of spring. There is real joy for me when I see and hear the first ones returning

Nationally they have, however, been declining in numbers – 48% across the UK since the mid-90s. The northern protected landscapes including Northumberland National Park still support good numbers, but it is our responsibility to keep them here.

Every year I survey areas of the National Park for waders including curlews and they are some of the most memorable days I have had at work. The days start early leaving the house around 5.30-6am travelling to a moorland site to walk a transect listening and watching for birds. Some of my favourite locations are the Cheviot fringe above Alwinton (including a hill called Gill’s Law), north of Hadrian’s Wall and edge of Harthope Valley.

The early morning sun on my skin, surrounded by the sounds of skylark, meadow pipit, curlew, snipe, oystercatcher and lapwing in the tranquil landscape is such a peaceful and calm experience.

Other creatures such as hares, stoats and foxes sometimes make an appearance, with voles, lizards and the occasional adder darting from under foot. The sounds of cuckoo, willow warbler and redstart drift from nearby woodland and scrub.

When I return to car and the office I often feel like I was in a little world of my own.

On the ground: how the Northumberland National Park is protecting curlew

During the breeding season, curlews favour open landscapes like moorland, rough grassland and farmland, where they nest directly on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with vegetation.

This ground-nesting strategy makes them particularly vulnerable to disturbance and predation, as well as to changes in land use. Because their breeding success depends on a delicate balance of habitat quality, low disturbance and predator pressure, curlew populations are especially sensitive to environmental change.

My work forms part of a wider range of actions the National Park is taking to protect curlew and wider biodiversity across the landscape as a whole.

Restoring and managing key habitats like moorland, grassland, and wetlands to improve conditions for the birds to feed and breed.

Working with farmers and landowners to encourage curlew-friendly land management

Conducting regular population surveys to monitor numbers and trends

Mapping and identifying important breeding sites for targeted protection.

Protecting nests to reduce egg and chick loss.

Supporting wider strategies that benefit curlew alongside other upland birds and wider biodiversity.

Collaborating with conservation organisations like the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts and other local partners.

Raising public awareness about threats like disturbance – especially from dogs – and habitat loss.

With continued care, collaboration and understanding, we can continue to have hope that the curlew’s call will remain a defining sound of these uplands for generations to come.

Find out more about what Northumberland National Park Authority, local people and partners are doing to preserve the park’s ecology and biodiversity here.