How Gloucestershire farmers are helping the curlew

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Once a common sight and sound in the British countryside, curlews have become an increasingly rare part of our rural life with no thanks to changes to their habitats and an abundance of predators. The UK holds a quarter of the world’s population and here in Gloucestershire the hay meadows of the Severn are great breeding sites for this wading birds. They have a distinctive look, with a long down-curved bill, brown feathers, long legs and the distinctive bibbling call. Kate Clark met Dave Banwell, who has a mixed farm in Hasfield and has changed his practises to help the curlew. She also spoke to Mike Smart, a Research Officer with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Photo Credits: WWT