Two study areas within the Upper Teesdale area were chosen for the study: Monk’s Moor, a heather Calluna vulgaris-dominated Red Grouse Lagopus Lagopus moorland and Chapel Fell, a heavily grazed moor dominated by Hare’s tail Cotton Grass Eriophorum vaginatum. A total of twenty Curlew nests were found on these sites, seventeen on Monk’s Moor and three on Chapel Fell. On Monk’s Moor hatching success was excellent with all of the nests producing from one to four chicks. In comparison, all three nests on Chapel Fell were predated. Curlew on the main study site, Monk’s Moor, showed strong selection for first year burnt patches of heather as a nest site. The most common cause of chick mortality (64%) was predation, with mortality as a result of bad weather being suspected in most other cases.
A printed copy of this old English Nature report is available from our Enquiry Service. Tel: 0845 600 3078 Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk