Home / Environment / Wales Faces Curlew Extinction in a Decade
Wales Faces Curlew Extinction in a Decade
4 May
Summary
- Curlews may vanish from Wales within ten years due to breeding failure.
- Anglesey's Cors Ddyga reserve boasts rich wildlife, including bitterns and marsh harriers.
- Efforts are needed to replicate Cors Ddyga's holistic land management for curlew survival.

The curlew, Europe's largest wader, faces a dire future in Wales, with extinction possible within a decade due to persistent breeding failures. This alarming decline underscores the preciousness of every sighting and the critical need for conservation efforts.
The RSPB's Cors Ddyga reserve on Anglesey offers a beacon of hope, showcasing a rich tapestry of wildlife. Visitors have recently witnessed spectacular displays, including the booming calls of bitterns and the aerial courtship dance of marsh harriers.
Numerous warblers, water rails, and large numbers of wagtails also inhabit the reserve, contributing to its vibrant soundscape. The reserve's success is attributed to its holistic land management approach, a model that must be replicated to ensure the curlew's survival.
World Curlew Day on April 21st serves as a reminder of the bird's plight and the need to rekindle a spirit of generosity towards the natural world, echoing that of local figures from centuries past.