A Spring Spectacle on the Moorland Edge

As the last winter storms clear and the first cotton grass appears, the UK's moorland edges come alive with two of our most evocative breeding birds: the curlew and the lapwing. Both return to rough pastures, wet flushes and heather fringes from March onwards, and by April the air is full of their calls and aerial displays. Walking these high places in spring offers a chance to witness courtship at its most dramatic, but it also demands a gentle, observant approach. These are ground-nesting birds, and their fortunes depend on our good behaviour as much as on the weather.

The Curlew's Bubbling Call and Tumbling Flight

The curlew is our largest wading bird, with a long, down-curved bill and mottled brown plumage that blends into the moor. Its call is unmistakable: a rising, bubbling “cur-lee” that often builds into a wild, fluting trill. Listen for a sequence of whistles that seems to roll across the valley. In display, the male rises on quivering wings, then tumbles back to earth while producing that bubbling song. You may see him gliding with wings held in a shallow V, or hear a sharp “whau-up” alarm call if you venture too close. Look for curlews on damp rushy pastures, moorland pools and the upper reaches of valleys. They often feed in fields but nest on open moor, so scan both the ground and the sky.

Lapwings: The Peewit's Tumbling Display

Lapwings are smaller and more compact, with broad, rounded wings that flash black and white in flight. In sunlight, their backs show a dark green sheen, and a wispy crest curves back from the head. The name “peewit” comes from their wheezy, plaintive call, a drawn-out “pee-wit” that often betrays them before you see them. Their display flight is a joy to watch: a male will tumble and twist, diving steeply with a loud, mechanical humming of wings, then pulling up to repeat the performance. This is sometimes called “lapping”. Lapwings favour wet meadows, moorland fringe and nearby arable fields, often nesting in loose colonies. They are early breeders, so by the time curlews are in full song, lapwing chicks may already be running.

Where and When to Look

Across the UK, the best spring moorland walks combine open access land with quiet edges. In the Peak District, try the edges above Edale or the moors around Bleaklow. The Yorkshire Dales offer Ingleborough's flanks and the pastures around Malham. Northumberland's Cheviot valleys and the North York Moors are reliable, while the Cairngorms, Flow Country and Welsh uplands such as the Berwyn range hold strong populations. Timing matters: from late March to June, with peak activity in April and May. Early morning is best, especially in calm, dry weather after a clear night. Avoid windy or heavy rain, when birds shelter. Use a detailed map to stay on rights of way and open access land, and give nesting areas a wide berth.

Fieldcraft and Responsible Watching

Good fieldcraft starts with your ears. Stand still, listen for calls, and let the birds reveal themselves. Use binoculars or a scope to keep your distance; 100 metres is a sensible minimum from any nest or chick. If a curlew or lapwing starts alarm calling, diving at you, or running distractedly, you are too close—back away slowly. Keep dogs on a short lead, especially near wet flushes and rushy fields. Avoid drones and playback apps, which cause stress. Stay on paths where possible, and never trample rough grass that might hide eggs. Remember that both species are in decline, so every quiet, respectful encounter helps. If you find a nest, note the location and move on quickly. Sharing sightings with local recorders helps conservation, but never post precise nest locations online.

Kit and Comfort for Moorland Walks

Before you head out, pack for changeable weather: waterproofs, warm layers, and sturdy boots for boggy ground. A map and compass are essential, as phone signal can vanish. Binoculars of 8x42 or 10x42 are ideal; a spotting scope helps at longer range. Learn the calls before you go—listen to recordings, then practise in the field. Early in the season, males display most intently, so scan fence posts and tussocks. Move slowly and pause often. The more you watch, the more you notice: a distant bubble, a flash of white, a tumbling shape against the clouds. These moments are the reward for walking quietly and respecting the birds' space.