Listening for the curlew

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys is encouraging members of the public to report sightings of the Curlew to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This is to feed into an important conservation project.

The Curlew is one of Ireland’s most threatened birds and the Agri-Ecology Unit of the NPWS of the Department is pioneering efforts at protecting them through the Curlew Conservation Programme.

Speaking today (Thursday) Minister Humphreys, said, “The Curlew is an iconic bird in rural Ireland. Many people who grew up in the countryside will remember hearing the cry of the Curlew during summertime, whether in the fields or in the bogs. I am very committed to my department’s Curlew Conservation Programme, through which my officials are engaging in a positive way with landowners to help the Curlew remain a sight and a sound in the Irish summer. As part of this work I would encourage members of the public to get in touch with the NPWS if you see any Curlews in your local area this summer.”