Saving the curlew: BASC explores solutions with Welsh Government

Curlew in the grass

BASC joined the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, on a visit to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The national park visit allowed the Deputy First Minister (DFM) to see first-hand how targeted conservation measures are helping reverse the decline of one of Wales’ most threatened birds – the curlew. The engagement builds on momentum from a January meeting between the DFM and Gylfinir Cymru. 

Gylfinir Cymru is a partnership of organisations, including BASC, which works together for curlew recovery. The initial meeting in January laid important groundwork for aligning conservation practice with future agricultural policy and placed front and centre the importance of curlew habitat and effective predator management. 

Gylfinir Cymru is vital because it advocates for key actions for curlew recovery. The organisations involved span the farming, nature conservation and game management sectors. Their consensus provides clarity to government on what actions to take.

BASC's commitment on the ground and in policy

During the June field visit, the DFM was shown how integrated land management – particularly sensitive farm and grazing management, alongside targeted predator control of foxes and crows – is helping to improve curlew breeding success on the site. The DFM joined in the search for curlew chicks in a landscape where these methods are already showing encouraging results.

BASC’s head of biodiversity, Ian Danby, who represents BASC on Gylfinir Cymru, highlighted the joint commitment: “It was a real pleasure after seeing him in January to thank the DFM in person for enabling dialogue between ourselves, Gylfinir Cymru and the Sustainable Farming Scheme team in Welsh Government.

“A second meeting within six months shows clear political will to deliver joined-up solutions. BASC is committed to making curlew recovery a real success story in Wales. That means not only supporting targeted predator control and habitat work, but also ensuring these tools are embedded in future farming policy.

“Hearing the DFM speak with knowledge and passion about giving farmers the flexibility to meet curlew’s needs through agri-environment schemes was genuinely encouraging. His support for Gylfinir Cymru, a unique collaboration of government, farming, shooting, research and conservation, is vital if we are to prevent curlew disappearing as a breeding bird in Wales by 2033.”

Political backing for urgent curlew recovery

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “Protecting and enhancing our environment and natural resources is key to addressing the climate and nature emergencies – and Wales Nature Week is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to get involved and make a difference.

“The curlew, for example, is predicted to be on the brink of extinction as a viable breeding species in Wales by 2033, so I fully understand the urgency of action needed to secure this species’ survival.

“In this Senedd term alone, we have invested more than £150m to restore nature and improve access. It’s fantastic to see for myself just some of the projects that are benefitting and helping to make a real difference.”

Through sustained engagement with the Welsh Government, BASC is helping shape conservation approaches that are rooted in evidence, balanced in perspective, and effective for both biodiversity and rural communities.

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