The curlew is one of the most distinctive and evocative birds in the UK, renowned for its haunting, bubbling call and elegant, long-curved bill. Its call is one you can often hear in the area around Longlands holiday park as it thrives on the exposed sands of the Duddon Estuary, on our doorstep.
As the largest wading bird in Europe, curlews are a vital part of the coastal and wetland ecosystems, yet they are facing significant declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and predation. Morecambe Bay (of which the Duddon Estuary is a part) on the edge of the Lake District, is a vast intertidal habitat in northwest England that plays a crucial role in supporting these birds, particularly during the winter months and migration periods.
The Curlew’s Declining Population
Once a common sight across Britain’s wetlands, farmland, and coastal regions, the curlew’s population has plummeted in recent decades. The UK holds around a quarter of the global breeding population, yet numbers have dropped by more than 50% since the 1970s. Given that the UK is a significant stronghold for the species, conserving its habitats is essential to ensuring the curlew’s long-term survival.
Morecambe Bay: A Crucial Habitat
Morecambe Bay is the largest intertidal area in the UK, covering nearly 310 square kilometres of mudflats, salt marshes, and sandbanks. This dynamic and rich ecosystem is one of the most important wetland sites in Europe, designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It provides an essential stopover for thousands of migratory birds, including curlews, as they journey between breeding and wintering grounds. We’re incredibly lucky that many of these species visit the Duddon Estuary’s rich feeding grounds right next to us at Longlands Caravan Park.
During winter, Morecambe Bay hosts thousands of curlews that migrate from their northern breeding grounds in Scandinavia, Russia, and the UK uplands. The extensive mudflats provide an abundant food source, including worms, molluscs, and crustaceans, helping the birds maintain their strength during the colder months. The bay’s salt marshes and surrounding farmland also offer roosting sites, where curlews can rest safely from the high tide and potential predators.
Conservation Efforts in Morecambe Bay
Given the importance of Morecambe Bay for curlews and other shorebirds, significant conservation efforts are underway to protect and enhance this habitat. Organisations such as the RSPB, Natural England, and local wildlife groups are working to manage the bay’s delicate ecosystem, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for wading birds. Key initiatives include:
• Habitat Protection: Preventing development and land-use changes that could disrupt the intertidal ecosystem.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Encouraging landowners to maintain wet grasslands, which are crucial breeding and feeding areas for curlews.
• Predator Control: Managing populations of foxes and crows to reduce predation on curlew nests.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating local communities and visitors about the importance of conserving the bay’s wildlife.
The Future of the Curlew
Despite ongoing challenges, there is hope for the curlew. By preserving critical habitats like the Duddon Estuary and supporting conservation initiatives, we can help reverse the species’ decline. The bay’s vast mudflats and marshlands provide a refuge for curlews during migration and winter, making it an indispensable part of their survival strategy.
Ultimately, the fate of the curlew is tied to the health of our wetlands and coastal environments. By recognising the importance of Morecambe Bay and taking action to protect it, we can ensure that future generations of owners at Longlands can continue to hear the haunting, beautiful call of the curlew whenever they visit their holiday home.
Curlew photography: Tim Melling. For more information on curlew conservation click here.
