The Wales Breeding Wader Survey 2026

Curlew, along with all other grassland breeding waders in Wales (Lapwing, Redshank and Golden Plover) are declining in both numbers and range, a result of a combination of three significant pressures: habitat loss, unfavourable habitat management and nest/chick predation

In the absence of contemporary survey data, estimates of the current Curlew breeding population ranges from 400 (an extrapolation from a small sample repeat survey) to no more than 1,700 breeding pairs (extrapolation from Bird Atlas 2008-11). Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data show breeding Curlew in Wales have declined by 76% between 1995-2023 and by at least 43% over the last decade (2013-2023) and indicate that the breeding population in Wales is declining at a faster rate when compared to England and Scotland and the UK.

An action aimed at tackling the climate emergency in Wales by the Welsh Government has been set a target to increase the cover of woodland in Wales from 15 % to 17 % by 2040. It is recognised by the Welsh Government that it is vital to minimise the impacts of new woodland creation on the breeding habitat of Curlew or other ground nesting waders. It is therefore vital that we know where breeding waders are still found in Wales .

Why is a survey happening now?

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in 2026 is delivering the Welsh Breeding Wader Survey on behalf of Welsh Government. . The information gathered from this survey will be used alongside data submitted by naturalists to Local Environment Record Centres throughout Wales, which is already used by both NRW and the Welsh Government to inform decisions on land use.  

Where is the survey taking place?

In 2025, NRW commissioned the  British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to develop a robust survey design by modelling the probability of Curlew being present in kilometre squares throughout  Wales. All squares were ranked, based on their probability value the presence of suitable habitat and other variables.  

NRW has been working with the two farming unions and the Welsh Government to seek access permission for survey in the squares shown on the map below. 

When is the survey taking place?

All surveyors will record Curlew and other waders, spending up to an hour in the selected squares.

The design and timing of the survey is aimed at detecting Curlew on their breeding grounds before incubation begins.   

Visit 1                     16 March to the 5 April 2026

Visit 2                     6 April to the 18 April 2026 (if no Curlews were detected during Visit 1)

Who is taking part in the survey ?  

BTO Cymru have been contracted by NRW to deliver the professional survey element with RSPB Cymru sub-contracted to deliver survey effort across 700km squares

Professional fieldworkers will survey the highest ranking 700km squares for Curlew. Other breeding waders present in those areas will also be recorded: Lapwing, Snipe, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Redshank. A combination of Welsh Government and NRW staff, plus lead organisations in the Important Curlew Areas (ICA) are also aiming to undertake supporting surveys in 300-400 km squares, where possible.

Due to the requirements of individual welfare it has not been possible for NRW to ask individuals in Wales who are knowledgeable about Curlew to take part in the Wales Breeding Wader Survey.

What can I do to help?

All data for breeding Curlew, and other waders, entered into the Local Environment Records Centres during the whole of the 2026 breeding season will be used alongside the results of the Wales Breeding Wader Survey to inform future land management.

If you have been submitting Curlew breeding records anywhere in Wales in recent years, please continue to do that during the 2026 season.

The Wales Breeding Wader Survey can only cover a limited area in Wales and so all additional data is vital to gain the fuller picture.   

Wader breeding records can be entered via Bird Trach ( BirdTrack | BTO)  E bird (eBird - Discover a new world of birding...) or directly into your local record centre Local Environmental Records Centres Wales . Records with the relevant breeding code and accurate grid references (the Pinpoint function in BirdTrack) are particularly valuable. All records are drawn together in the LERC Wales Aderyn records system  Aderyn :: Home and are used to build up our knowledge of where these iconic birds remain as an important part of the Welsh farmland landscape.