Once a familiar sight across Britain and Ireland, the haunting call of the Eurasian Curlew has all but vanished from many of our landscapes. Over the last 40 years, their numbers have plummeted — by more than 80% in Wales and 90% in parts of Ireland. This special afternoon walk shines a light on their story, their struggles, and the hope that remains.

We’ll begin at a beautiful, remote Baptist chapel set high beneath the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park, where ecologist Nicky Davies from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority will give a short introductory talk. She’ll share fascinating insights into the Curlew’s ecology, threats, and conservation, and bring along models of the bird, its nest, and eggs.

We will also be joined by representatives of the charity Curlew Action who will be able to answer questions and share valuable insights about this species plight, and what we can do to help.

Following this, we’ll head out together on a peaceful 4-mile circular walk using ancient footpaths, bridleways, and moorland tracks. Along the way, we’ll pause at an old ‘dipping pool’ once used both for sheep and for full-immersion baptisms by the chapel community — a place steeped in history and symbolism.

While we may not see or hear Curlews on the day, this walk is a chance to deepen our connection with the landscape they depend on and to learn more about how we can help protect them.

£7 from each ticket sold will be donated directly to Curlew Action — an organisation dedicated to securing a future for Curlews through conservation, advocacy, and education.

Come and walk for the Curlews — for their haunting calls, for the wild places they represent, and for the hope of hearing them once again across our countryside.

(Please bring a packed lunch if you like to join us for a picnic at the chapel after we finish our walk together).