Join Matt Trevelyan, in full costume, on a journey through Curlew country
In the run-up to World Curlew Day (April 21st) join Matt Trevelyan, Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Officer for Nidderdale National Landscape, as he – in full curlew costume – embarks on a two-day, 53-mile walk along the Nidderdale Way to raise awareness of one of our most iconic and threatened birds: the Eurasian Curlew.
Date: Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th April 2025
Starting Point: The Bandstand, The Recreation Ground, Pateley Bridge
Media Opportunities: Photo/video, interviews, field recordings, and live coverage
Follow along: @nidderdalecurlews on Instagram
World Curlew Day is a grass-roots initiative which champions curlews worldwide. Created by Mary Colwell in 2017, the day shines a light on the dangers curlews face due to habitat loss, land-use changes and climate pressures.
This year, World Curlew Day falls on Easter Monday – April 21st.
Find out more at the Curlew Action website: World Curlew Day | Curlew Action
There you’ll find details about upcoming events, as well as poetry, art, and baking competitions celebrating this remarkable bird.
Why it matters
Each spring, thousands of curlews return to the moors and farmland of Nidderdale to breed – but behind their familiar calls lies an urgent conservation story. Breeding success in grassland habitats has plummeted. Without immediate action, we risk losing these birds altogether.
“We may be seeing a population of older, non-breeding birds that are not being replaced. When they die, the decline could be sudden and irreversible,” says Matt Trevelyan. “Every nest, egg and chick matters.”
Matt will be walking in full curlew costume to spark conversation, raise awareness, and fundraise for local curlew conservation projects. Inspired by Mary Colwell’s legendary walk and her book Curlew Moon, Matt’s goal is to connect people to the landscapes that support these remarkable birds – and to the actions we can all take to help.
Join the Walk
Matt invites members of the media, nature-lovers, families, and walkers of all abilities to join him for all or part of the walk. Each stage offers stunning views, inspiring conversation, and the chance to encounter curlews in the wild.
Itinerary Overview
Day One – Saturday 19th April
Stage 1: 9:00am–1:00pm (14.5 miles) – Pateley Bridge to Middlesmoor (via Scar House Dam)
Lunch: 1:00–2:00pm – Crown Inn, Middlesmoor
Stage 2: 2:00–5:30pm (10.5 miles) – Middlesmoor to Bewerley (via Prosperous Mine)
Day Two – Sunday 20th April
Stage 3: 9:00am–1:00pm (14 miles) – Pateley Bridge to Ripley (via Guisecliff Woods)
Lunch: 1:00–2:00pm – Boar’s Head, Ripley
Stage 4: 2:00–5:30pm (14 miles) – Ripley to Pateley Bridge (via Brimham Rocks)
Media Opportunities
Interviews with Matt Trevelyan on curlew conservation and land management
Images of Matt’s hand-crafted curlew costume in action
Footage of Nidderdale’s unique upland landscapes
Stories of community engagement and local conservation in action
To arrange interviews, join the walk, or receive press materials, please contact: Angela Walton at Say Something: [email protected] or call 07799332860.
