Members of the Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project, based in the Cocker valley, recently attended The Northern Curlew Skill Sharing Day with other curlew conservation groups from across the North of England and Wales.
Held in Grassington, North Yorkshire, the day was organised by Matt Trevelyan, Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Officer for Nidderdale National Landscape.
Workshops were offered by experts in their field, providing information and practical advice. Emphasis was placed on boosting the breeding success of curlews on farmland, through sympathetic management, repairing eco systems, and improving invertebrate richness.
Some curlew creativity was also provided by Cumbrian willow weaver Phil Bradley and artist Rose Ferraby, highlighting the curlew’s beauty and cultural importance.
“It was a very worthwhile day and a great opportunity to share expertise, best practice and link with other curlew conservation groups, as well as farmers, ecologists, entomologists and landowners, in making curlew conservation viable,“ said David Gardiner, chair of Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project.
“Our volunteers evening is on February 24 at Yew Tree Hall, Lorton, prior to the curlew breeding season in spring, and we are confident and excited, that with our expanding group, we can take curlew conservation forward and build on our success in helping this iconic bird thrive in the Cocker valley.”
The Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project has been funded by FiPL and is part of the Melbreak Wildlife Group, an initiative of the Melbreak Communities.
Anyone is welcome to come along to the Volunteers Evening if they are interested in being involved in the Curlew Project in any way. For further information, contact David Gardiner via davidj.gardiner@btinternet.com
