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“Being a Species Champion creates a sense of responsibility for – and duty towards – the threatened curlew. It’s important we have Species Champions in the Assembly because it creates both an individual voice for the species and a collective voice for wildlife under threat.”
In Wales our Species Champion for the curlew is Mark Isherwood, Assembly Member for the north Wales region. Since signing up to the project in 2016, Mark has taken time to learn about these waders and has actively raised awareness of the species both in local communities and within the National Assembly for Wales.
Sadly, there are fears that breeding curlews could be lost from Wales within the next few decades if their fortunes do not improve. Unfortunately, the numbers of curlew in Wales have declined by 80% since the 1980s, breeding pairs have virtually disappeared from lowland areas and though they are still relatively widespread in the uplands, their numbers are low and they are only just holding on in pockets. Due to the dramatic declines, curlews are now Red Listed in the Birds of Conservation Concern in Wales 3 report – further highlighting the urgent need for action.
Shortly after accepting the role as Species Champion Mark visited the curlew trial management project in Ysbyty Ifan - one of six study areas in the UK – to see how the habitat is being specifically managed for the benefit of curlew. Last year Mark highlighted the need for action to protect the curlew by making a statement in the National Assembly for Wales, where he called for agri-environment schemes and better monitoring of breeding birds.
Image: Curlew, Andy Hay rspb-images.com
On 1 June, will be attending the Hay Festival where he will join a panel including author and conservationist Mary Colwell, and RSPB Director of Global Conservation Martin Harper. Guests will enjoy an illustrated talk of Mary’s newly released book, Curlew Moon, which takes the reader on a gentle tale of discovery, tying in with the natural history of the curlew that has inspired us for millennia.
Mark has previously described his favourite thing about the curlew was “its otherworldly persona and ethereal voice”. It is clear that Mark is a fantastic advocate for the species and his enthusiasm and action could be instrumental in changing the fate of the curlew for the better.
If you would like to attend the Curlew Moon event, tickets can be purchased via the Hay Festival website at: bit.ly/CurlewMoon