Lough Erne: curlew returns to Trasna Island
It follows an extensive habitat restoration project by RSPB (NI)
Europe's largest wading bird, the curlew, has returned to Trasna Island on lower Lough Erne.
It follows an extensive habitat restoration project by RSPB (NI) between 2019 and 2024.
This included the removal of trees and scrub from the shoreline to create five hectares of wet grassland, which is feeding habitat for breeding waders.
Amy Burns, RSPB NI’s Lower Lough Erne Estate Manager said, “I am over the moon that curlew and other waders have responded so positively to the work we’ve undertaken on Trasna.
"We’ve recorded fledging success with curlew, but also with lapwing, oystercatcher and snipe as well.
"It’s great to see that conservation works, and to see breeding waders starting to call Trasna home”.
The land on Trasna Island was previously unmanaged, but research during the project uncovered photographs from the 1920s depicting an open, farmed landscape, which was ideal for breeding curlews.