Curlew and Lapwing Survey

Readers in the northeast of Montgomeryshire might be interested in joining the Tanat to Perry Community Wildlife Group's Curlew and Lapwing project.

The group was set up in 2018 with the aim of establishing where these declining species are still breeding locally, then working with landowners and farmers to help conserve them. Our study area extends southwards from Oswestry to Kinnerley, and eastwards from the Welsh border to Ruyton-XI-Towns: from the Tanat to the Perry.  

Last year our wonderful volunteers found an estimated 15 - 19 breeding pairs of Curlew and 42 - 51 pairs of Lapwing, slightly more than in 2018 as we're getting better at finding them!  This year we will repeat the survey, focusing on locating any that we have missed previously and, where possible, gathering information about breeding success and preferred nesting habitat.

The survey is straightforward and requires only three visits between late March and mid June, on dates to suit you.  No need to be an expert birdwatcher or experienced fieldworker: training is offered for anyone who would like it.  We also welcome 'casual records' of sightings of Lapwing and Curlew anywhere within our study area during the breeding season.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 4 March 7.30pm at Morda Social Club, Oswestry where Leo Smith will give a presentation and lead planning for this year's fieldwork.  Everyone is welcome: we are keen not only to recruit helpers but also to raise awareness of the plight of these once-familiar species.

If you'd like to get involved but can't make the meeting, please contact me direct.

Nine other Community Wildlife Groups operate the same survey as part of a county-wide initiative led by Shropshire Ornithological Society.  Details of all groups at www.shropscwgs.org.uk.  

Thank you!
Claire Backshall
tpcwg@shropscwgs.org.uk

Picture: Curlew by Leo Smith