Curlew nest found by crews tackling Co Fermanagh wildfire is removed to safety

A curlew nest in the path of a wildfire in Co Fermanagh has been removed to safety.

Firefighters discovered the nest and eggs of the distinctive bird whose numbers have dramatically declined in recent decades, as they battled a significant blaze in Brookeborough this week.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said 85 firefighters tackled a wildfire in Brookeborough on Thursday for eight hours, with the blaze burning approximately 1.75 square kilometres of land.

“During the incident, firefighters discovered a curlew nest in the fire’s path, and despite challenging conditions, protected it whilst continuing firefighting operations,” a spokesperson said.

“Working with the RSPB, the eggs were safely removed for incubation where they now have a chance of survival.”

The distinctive birds, with their long bills and haunting calls, were once common in Northern Ireland but had declined by almost 82% since 1987 to just 150 breeding pairs and were described as facing the threat of extinction.

Last year the RSPB hailed the efforts of dedicated staff and local farmers working in partnership through the Curlew Life project following a resurgence in numbers.

The NIFRS has urged the public to act responsibly in the countryside and to report fires immediately.

Roisin Normanly, Lough Erne conservation adviser, RSPB NI, said: “As a conservation charity, we are devastated to see the impact of the fires across Northern Ireland, most recently in Fermanagh, and its impact to these vulnerable species at a critical breeding time. We have been working with NIFRS and the local farmer to support actions to minimise the harm to wildlife.

“These increasing and reoccurring fires pose a risk to nature, wildlife and local communities, and need to be stopped.

“Fires at this time of year impact breeding birds, specifically ground nesting birds, destroying habitats that are unlikely to recover for years to come. These events demonstrate, now more than ever, nature needs to be protected and restored.”