Dogs and runners are disturbing birds in the New Forest - and numbers are declining

Figures released by conservation group Wild New Forest (WNF) show a decline of two thirds in breeding pairs in the national park in the last 10 years. Observers located just 40 breeding pairs of curlews and just 19 nests across the National Park in 2016.

The report blames disturbance of habitat for the "shocking decline" and said disturbance by runners and by dogs venturing off the path was recorded in the vicinity of curlew nests.

It said that although chicks appeared to have hatched at nine nests, others were clearly abandoned or the eggs taken by predators.

Despite the stark figures, conservationists say that people out and about in the New Forest can take simple steps to help save these rare birds.

Professor Russell Wynn of Wild New Forest said: "Anyone can play a vital part in protecting curlews by minimising disturbance on their breeding grounds in spring and summer.

"Curlews and other New Forest breeding waders typically nest in open areas of heath and bog, so it is here that special care is needed."

Nigel Matthews, head of recreation management and learning at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: "The New Forest curlew population is extremely important – in some ways it’s a barometer for the well-being of wildlife in the New Forest.

"Disturbance is likely to be a cause of the decline, it’s vital that we do all we can to reduce instances of birds being startled by people.

"Working with other Forest organisations, we have helped design new signs for use across the open forest this year.

"These signs make it clear that walkers and their dogs, cyclists and horse riders should all stay on the main tracks when crossing heathland from now until August."

The Wild New Forest survey team is now preparing for more fieldwork as the first migrating curlews arrive back in the New Forest.

Report any sightings of curlews and other ground nesting waders to wildnewforest@gmail.com.