Animals

Rare Curlew Chicks Released After Escaping Fermanagh Wildfire

Good News Post

Jul 21, 2026 — 2 min read

Released Curlew Chicks - credit Michelle Forsythe - supplied RSPB

By Animals Correspondent

Curlew chicks rescued from a wildfire in Co Fermanagh have been released back into the wild after firefighters and conservationists worked together to save their nest.

The eggs were removed after a blaze swept through around 1.75 square kilometres of land at Brookeborough, threatening one of Northern Ireland's most vulnerable breeding birds.

Around 85 firefighters attended the incident after the nest was identified by RSPB Northern Ireland conservation adviser Róisín Normanly, who monitors curlew in the area.

Working alongside the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, firefighters helped protect the nest while emergency permission was obtained from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to remove the eggs.

The eggs were then carefully incubated using specialist equipment before the chicks were successfully released at a site in Fermanagh.

Donal Beagan, from the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that we could step in and use our experience to safeguard and care for these chicks. With curlew numbers so dangerously low, this situation shows exactly why collaboration is critical.

"It's been lovely to watch the local community show their support for the chicks, and we are thrilled to be able to release them back onto the land."

Róisín Normanly said the rescue highlighted both the importance of teamwork and the dangers wildfires pose to wildlife.

She said: "I'm so pleased and grateful that those chicks survived and are back where they belong, all thanks to the quick actions of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Forestry Service, our partners at the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, the landowners and the local community.

"Curlew are one of our most threatened breeding birds, so every single nest matters. While we're incredibly grateful for this rare happy ending, it's also a stark reminder of the devastating impact fires can have. They destroy breeding grounds, wipe out nests and eggs, and recovery can take years."

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The rescue was supported by the Breeding Waders EIP, which provided specialist equipment to care for the eggs and satellite tags that will help conservationists monitor the chicks after their release.

The Eurasian curlew is Europe's largest wading bird and is recognised by its long, curved bill and distinctive call.

It is now a Red List species in the UK after breeding numbers fell by more than half between the mid-1990s and 2022, making conservation work increasingly important.

To find out more about PeacePlus Nature, visit www.peaceplusnature.org

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