BBC News
By Steve Mather
image copyrightTom Streeter
image captionThe newly-launched Curlew Recovery Partnership aims to work with farmers, gamekeepers and researchers to support the wading bird
A project has been launched to secure the future of the curlew which faces regional and national level extinction.
Farming practices, predators and loss of habitat have led to a huge drop in breeding pairs and chicks being born.
"They are deeply loved and not just by birders. They make the most wonderful noise," said Dr Geoff Hilton of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).
Wildlife groups say curlews should be considered the UK's most urgent bird conservation priority.