Curlew numbers in areas of Northern Ireland show ‘incredible improvement’

Curlew numbers had declined to just 150 breeding pairs in 1987 — they were facing the threat of extinction

This the most successful breeding season of the four-year LIFE Project on the Lower Lough Erne Islands Reserve. Picture: RSPB/PA

An “incredible improvement” in curlew numbers in Northern Ireland is being celebrated.

The distinctive birds, with their long bills and hauntings calls, were once common in the region but had declined by almost 82% since 1987 to just 150 breeding pairs and were described as facing the threat of extinction.