The River Thame catchment is home to some of the UK’s most iconic ground-nesting birds, including the Lapwing and Curlew. These birds once thrived across the landscape, but their populations have sharply declined in recent decades. They rely on undisturbed grasslands and floodplain habitats to breed successfully, but habitat loss, disturbance, and increased predation have put their future at risk.

Curlew, now listed as Red on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC), are one of the UK’s most rapidly declining species. With their haunting calls, Curlew return each spring to breed in grasslands, where they rely on camouflage to keep their eggs and chicks hidden from predators. However, their nests are highly vulnerable. Even a single disturbance—whether from walkers, off-lead dogs, or farm machinery—can cause them to abandon their nests, leaving their eggs and chicks exposed.

Lapwings, once widespread across much of the UK, are also Red-listed on the BoCC, reflecting their rapid decline. While slightly more opportunistic than Curlew, Lapwings face similar threats and have become increasingly rare in the River Thame catchment.

Why Are They Declining?

The decline of these species is closely tied to changes in farming practices. The widespread loss of wet grassland and hay meadows, along with the shift from spring-sown to autumn-sown crops and the intensification of farming, has reduced the availability of suitable breeding habitat. The increased mechanisation of farming and the loss of traditional mixed farming systems have further impacted these birds.

A major contributing factor is predation, particularly by generalist predators such as foxes, crows, and other animals that prey on eggs and chicks. This increased predation, combined with habitat loss, has significantly impacted breeding success.

The Importance of Floodplain Habitat in the River Thame Catchment

Floodplains, especially along the River Thame and its tributaries, are vital breeding and feeding grounds for ground-nesting birds. In the River Thame catchment, floodplain restoration projects are crucial for preserving and enhancing these habitats. By working with landowners and farmers, River Thame Conservation Trust is helping to restore diverse floodplain habitats that not only support Curlew and Lapwing, but also provide space for other wildlife to thrive. With only a few breeding pairs of Curlew left, these restoration efforts are critical. Without action, we risk losing these iconic birds from the landscape.

RTCT's Landscape Recovery project is key to these efforts, with a particular focus on developing a Wading Bird Recovery Plan. The project aims to protect, restore, and create freshwater, wetland, and water-dependent habitats at a landscape scale, benefiting species like Curlew and Lapwing. As part of this initiative, RTCT works closely with landowners to enhance these habitats and secure external investment to support ongoing conservation.

Citizen Science: Supporting Conservation

For the past decade, RTCT Trustee Nick Marriner has led a programme of bird surveys across the River Thame catchment in partnership with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), as part of the long-running Wetland Bird Survey. This invaluable work has been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, whose efforts have been instrumental in identifying and protecting crucial floodplain habitats for Curlews and other wading birds.

The surveys have highlighted key areas between Waterstock, Ickford, Shabbington, and Long Crendon, which are essential for Curlew breeding. These birds rely on a mix of floodplain fields and higher pastures, particularly between Shabbington and Long Crendon, for successful nesting.

Thanks to the contributions of our volunteers, more than 170 species have been recorded, and four new Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) have been designated across the catchment, offering further protection to Curlew habitats.

As Nick Marriner notes, "Having this long-term dataset is invaluable. It helps us show exactly why the River Thame is so important for birds, and provides the evidence we need to support key conservation efforts, like the designation of new Local Wildlife Sites. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of the volunteers. Their hard work is absolutely vital in ensuring these habitats are protected, and I’m very grateful for their ongoing support."

How You Can Help Protect Ground-Nesting Birds

Everyone can play a role in supporting curlews and other ground-nesting birds. If you’re out walking near the river, please follow these simple steps:

Keep dogs on leads near known nesting areas—curlews rely on staying hidden, and disturbances can cause them to abandon their nests.

Stick to footpaths—nests are often hidden in long grass and can be easily trampled.

Respect any electric fencing— These barriers are there to protect wildlife and help prevent damage to nests.

Spread the word—help educate fellow walkers about the importance of protecting these birds.

By taking these small steps, we can help ensure that Curlew, Lapwings, and other ground-nesting birds continue to thrive in the River Thame catchment for generations to come.