Following the release of this year's amazing Curlew breeding results, we're thrilled to share the remarkable work our dedicated teams have been undertaking on the ground across Northern Ireland.
From the picturesque landscapes of County Fermanagh in the West to the dramatic scenes of the Antrim Hills in the East, our teams’ efforts are making a significant impact on the conservation of Northern Ireland's most vulnerable bird species. Hope is springing for Curlews on our Reserve in Lough Erne.
RSPB NI Lower Lough Erne Islands Reserve
Nestled in County Fermanagh, the Lower Lough Erne Islands Reserve stands as the most westerly RSPB reserve in the UK and is one of the most biodiverse areas of lowland wet grassland in Northern Ireland. Comprising over 40 islands on a vast freshwater lake, the reserve is home to a diverse array of breeding waders, including Lapwings, Snipe, and a unique inland colony of breeding Sandwich terns.
Curlew in Crisis
Curlew by Amy Burns
Facing an alarming 89% decline in Northern Ireland since 1987, Curlews in County Fermanagh are particularly at risk. Our Lower Lough Erne team, led by dedicated Amy Burns, Estate Manager, is working tirelessly to prevent the extinction of this species in the area.
Breeding triumph for Curlew
This year, the team's relentless work has borne fruit, with 43 pairs of breeding Curlews reported on the Reserve—an impressive increase of 19% from 2022. The reserve boasts the highest density of breeding Curlews anywhere on the island of Ireland, with a fantastic hatching success rate of 77% across all pairs.
Season Highlights
Beyond breeding success, the team experienced breath-taking views across islands on Lough Erne and enjoyed the company of the Highland cow herd, happily stomping their way onto the Reserve – A sight the team always looks forward to. These hairy conservation heroes are on the Reserve all year, munching up any new vegetation growth to help maintain ideal habitat for ground-nesting birds like Curlews. They are excellent at managing the grassland in the depths of winter, ensuring these ideal conditions in early Spring.
Hairy volunteers by Amy Burns
A grand total of 186 pairs of waders on the Reserve were recorded in 2023 including species such as Curlew, Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing and Dunlin.
As winter sets in, the dedicated team brave the chill to clear vegetation from the Islands. Their hard work will ensure Curlews and other ground-nesting birds have suitable nesting habitat waiting for them when they return to Lough Erne to breed again when Spring comes along.
If you would like to support the work of RSPB NI, to help save species like Curlews from the brink, visit https://rspb.org.uk/donate. By making a donation, you are helping to protect Northern Ireland most iconic species, look after wild landscapes and speak for nature at a time when it really needs our help.