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Dartmoor Curlews Roost Again: Recovery Project Succeeds
26 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Curlew numbers on Dartmoor have significantly increased.
- A five-year conservation project successfully boosted breeding pairs.
- Headstarting and habitat restoration were key recovery methods.
Breeding numbers of the endangered curlew on Dartmoor have seen a remarkable recovery after a five-year conservation initiative. The Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Programme, funded by the Duchy of Cornwall and the King Charles III Charitable Fund, aimed to bolster the species' population in the national park.
Organizers reported that the number of curlew breeding pairs has increased to at least four, with 11 confirmed territories. This marks the highest population level in approximately three decades, a significant achievement for a bird previously on the brink of disappearing as a breeding species from the area.
Conservation efforts included collecting endangered eggs for incubation in captivity (headstarting) and restoring vital moorland and meadow habitats. Project leaders expressed encouragement but noted that continued work is essential for long-term breeding success for curlews and other endangered birds.
