Conservation Efforts Pay Off in Cumbrian Pennines as Rare Birds Make a Comeback
A pioneering collaboration between conservationists and landowners has brought hope to the plight of one of the UK's rarest birds, the endangered dunlin. Deep within the Cumbrian Pennines, a team from bird conservation charity the RSPB has successfully surveyed hard-to-reach areas using drones, providing crucial insights into the habitat needs of these threatened wading birds.
The survey, funded by Natural England, has revealed that tiny chicks have been spotted in the newly created peatland restoration areas on the High Helbeck estate. The estate managers, who have worked closely with the RSPB and partners to improve habitat for the birds, are delighted with the results. A staggering 79 hectares of peatland restoration have been implemented, along with the creation of 25 new "scrapes" – shallow pools where the dunlins forage for food.
These findings offer a glimmer of hope in the battle to save the global population of the species. Since the early 2000s, dunlin numbers have declined by at least 20%, and they are now classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. In the UK, they are one of the country's rarest birds, with a red-list designation.
The decline of UK wader populations has long been attributed to climate change and habitat degradation. Conservationists have been vocal about the need for urgent action to address these issues. Kath Milnes, higher officer for Natural England in Cumbria, hailed the project as "fantastic work" that demonstrates how investing in nature can deliver multiple benefits for everyone.
The success of this collaborative effort serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that working together can have on conservation efforts. By restoring and re-wetting peatlands, landowners and conservation partners are creating conditions that allow species like the dunlin to thrive. As Nicolete Blackett-Ord, joint landowner High Helbeck, noted: "To confirm breeding at High Helbeck is particularly special because we have worked with the RSPB and partners for several years, improving habitat, to enable wading birds to thrive."
A pioneering collaboration between conservationists and landowners has brought hope to the plight of one of the UK's rarest birds, the endangered dunlin. Deep within the Cumbrian Pennines, a team from bird conservation charity the RSPB has successfully surveyed hard-to-reach areas using drones, providing crucial insights into the habitat needs of these threatened wading birds.
The survey, funded by Natural England, has revealed that tiny chicks have been spotted in the newly created peatland restoration areas on the High Helbeck estate. The estate managers, who have worked closely with the RSPB and partners to improve habitat for the birds, are delighted with the results. A staggering 79 hectares of peatland restoration have been implemented, along with the creation of 25 new "scrapes" – shallow pools where the dunlins forage for food.
These findings offer a glimmer of hope in the battle to save the global population of the species. Since the early 2000s, dunlin numbers have declined by at least 20%, and they are now classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. In the UK, they are one of the country's rarest birds, with a red-list designation.
The decline of UK wader populations has long been attributed to climate change and habitat degradation. Conservationists have been vocal about the need for urgent action to address these issues. Kath Milnes, higher officer for Natural England in Cumbria, hailed the project as "fantastic work" that demonstrates how investing in nature can deliver multiple benefits for everyone.
The success of this collaborative effort serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that working together can have on conservation efforts. By restoring and re-wetting peatlands, landowners and conservation partners are creating conditions that allow species like the dunlin to thrive. As Nicolete Blackett-Ord, joint landowner High Helbeck, noted: "To confirm breeding at High Helbeck is particularly special because we have worked with the RSPB and partners for several years, improving habitat, to enable wading birds to thrive."
I mean, who wouldn't want to see these adorable little dunlins thriving in their habitats? It's like, the ultimate win-win situation – we get to save the birds, and they get to have a healthy place to live. And can you even believe that it was all made possible through a collaboration between landowners and conservationists? It just goes to show that when people work together towards a common goal, amazing things can happen 
The fact that 79 hectares of peatland restoration has been implemented is like, woah – I'm so down for more of this kind of thing!
. it's a great example of how working together between landowners and conservationists can make a real difference 
. let's keep spreading awareness about climate change and habitat degradation, but also celebrate these successes! 
! Conservation efforts are def paying off in Cumbrian Pennines! I mean, 79 hectares of peatland restoration? That's huge 
. And those tiny dunlin chicks spotted in the newly created areas? Give me hope 
. Climate change and habitat degradation have been the big culprits behind wader populations decline, but it seems like landowners and conservationists are working together to turn that around 
. Fingers crossed for these birds and their habitats! 
It's not like they're gonna be hiding out there or something... 
I'm so stoked to hear that the dunlin population in Cumbrian Pennines is making a comeback!!! 
! I mean, using drones to survey hard-to-reach areas is, like, super innovative and effective 
. And 25 new "scrapes" created for them to forage? Genius 
! 
. do you guys have any thoughts on how we can all get involved in conservation efforts? 
. And let's be real, if we can save these little guys, maybe we should give ourselves a pat on the back too?