Man Raises Awareness for Curlew Conservation by Walking 53 Miles in Giant Bird Costume

During an Easter walk in Nidderdale, onlookers were surprised to see Matt Trevelyan strolling in a giant curlew costume. The ex-puppet maker transformed his craft into a powerful statement as he covered 53 miles in the elaborate outfit, aiming to draw attention to the plight of the curlew and its risk of extinction.

Starting his trek at Pateley Bridge on Saturday and reaching Brimham Rocks on Sunday, Trevelyan’s effort was timely as it coincided with World Curlew Day celebrated on Monday. Clad in a 10-foot-long costume representing Europe’s largest wading bird, he sought to spotlight concerns surrounding the curlew's declining numbers. This bird, characterized by its distinctive down-curved bill and long legs, was placed on the UK Red List for conservation in 2015.

Trevelyan expressed his worries about the curlew population, noting that every nest, egg, and chick is critical for the survival of the species. Historically a stronghold for curlews, Nidderdale and the surrounding Pennine area have seen sharp declines similar to those observed in southern England's Shropshire, with populations in Ireland and Wales also suffering devastating losses. He pointed out the need for approximately 10,000 additional curlews each year to attain a sustainable population, alongside a consistent fledging rate of one chick every two years from the nests.

As part of the conservation effort, the RSPB unveiled a vital action plan on World Curlew Day, urging government and agencies to take immediate measures to reverse the curlew's declining numbers. A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs acknowledged the severity of the situation, highlighting that Britain is losing significant natural species amid rising pollution and declining landscapes.

World Curlew Day, established in 2017, aims to inform the public about the threats that curlews face from habitat destruction and changing environmental conditions. Trevelyan has noted how certain farming practices, particularly in silage production, jeopardize the breeding success of the curlew chicks. He has worked collaboratively with farmers to change their methods to protect curlew habitats, but he also raised concerns over predation from animals like crows and foxes that threaten their nests.

The lightweight costume, made from polystyrene and bamboo, allowed Trevelyan to navigate the scenic routes of Nidderdale despite some limitations in visibility. He described the experience as challenging yet rewarding, aided by the stunning landscape. Throughout the endeavor, Trevelyan is raising funds to support the Nidderdale National Landscape.