What is the Dartmoor Curlew Recovery Programme?

It's a five-year initiative on Dartmoor focused on increasing the endangered curlew population through methods like headstarting and habitat restoration.

How many curlew pairs are now on Dartmoor?

The project has raised the number of curlew breeding pairs to at least four, with 11 confirmed territories.

What methods were used to help the Dartmoor curlews?

Key methods included collecting eggs for captive incubation (headstarting) and restoring moorland habitats.

Home / Environment / Dartmoor Curlews Roost Again: Recovery Project Succeeds

Dartmoor Curlews Roost Again: Recovery Project Succeeds

26 Dec, 2025

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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.

Dartmoor Curlews Roost Again: Recovery Project Succeeds

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.