An illustrated talk ‘Halting Curlew Decline in the Cocker Valley’,  given by David Gardiner of the Melbreak Curlew Recovery Project, was well received by local farmers at a recent Farmers Liaison Group meeting in Loweswater.

David, with support from Tim Newton, talked about the curlew, its habitat, nesting behaviour and the reasons for the rapid decline of the bird. He also spoke about  the work of the Curlew Recovery Group in halting this decline, by protecting curlew nests so that curlew eggs, which otherwise would probably be lost, can successfully hatch.

The talk was organised by West Cumbria Rivers Trust, which works closely in partnership with  farmers and landowners in the area, to protect, restore and improve rivers and lakes for the benefit of wildlife and people living and working around them.

(Image: Tim Melling)

Several farmers already provide tremendous support for the Curlew Recovery Project. Others expressed a keen interest in and commitment to becoming involved in the Project and Sandy Brown, head of farm and environmental advisory at Mitchells Land Agency, advised on the current position regarding environmental grants for farmers, with specific reference to supporting curlews.

(Image: Supplied)

David said: "I was delighted with the positive response from the farmers in the group. These farmers already do a great job, alongside West Cumbria Rivers Trust, to support wildlife and restore habitats. Without their help and co-operation and permission to access their land to protect curlew nests, we would not be able to prevent the decline of this precious bird with its soulful call.

"With more farmers on board we can build on our success and expand our curlew recovery work."