'Everybody has a role to play in curlew conservation'

The mural depicting a curlew and its chick was painted by street artist, ATM

A conservation charity is hosting an event and unveiling a mural to raise awareness of an endangered bird.

Curlew Action is hosting a series of talks at Lansdown Hall in Stroud on Monday to inform people about conservation efforts for the Eurasian Curlew. The event also marks World Curlew Day, which began in 2017.

The population of curlews is rapidly declining according to the charity, with only two chicks successfully arriving in Gloucestershire last year.

Mary Caldwell, director and founder of the charity, said: "It's so important that we bring endangered wildlife like curlews right into the middle of towns and cities so everybody can see them and begin to understand what's happening."

Curlews were added to the Red List on the UK Conservation Status Report in 2015, reflecting the urgent action needed to protect them.

According to the RSPB, habitat redevelopment and intensive farming practices are likely to have contributed to declines in breeding populations.

They are also impacted by predators.

Ms Caldwell said the event on Monday will coincide with the charity's work to "spread the word, spread education and spread awareness" of the importance of protecting the endangered species.

"We'll draw attention to the plight of this lovely bird and people can see how wonderful it is."

She added that "everybody has a role to play" in protecting the birds.

The event to mark World Curlew Day begins at 16:00 BST at Lansdown Hall.

The mural, painted by street artist ATM, will be unveiled on the side of Cafe 15 on George Street.