“Hi, I would like to introduce myself, I’m Hannah, the project manager for the GWCT’s Gwlad y Gylfinir (Land of the Curlew) project which will run until March 2029, funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund working across Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire. I’m very excited to be a part of curlew conservation.
I am based in Shropshire with my four-legged companion, Archie, and my partner. I have grown up in the countryside and I feel lucky to be able to work in it/for it. I gained a degree in animal behaviour and trained as a canine behaviourist, then project managed the Local Places for Nature Welsh Government grant for Wrexham Council before this exciting role with the GWCT.
I have a wide range of interests and will give anything (mostly anything) a go! I enjoy walking and do a little bit of cycling and running. I also enjoy food, a good tv show/movie and driving! “
Hannah’s background
“I was born in Wales and raised in the Shropshire countryside with frequent visits to Wales to see family and holiday in beautiful locations, so it holds a special place in my heart. Trying to decide what job you want can be a challenge, but I knew that I always wanted to spend my time doing something meaningful for nature.
I studied animal behaviour at university with the intention to apply my knowledge to conservation. I find animal behaviour fascinating, including the impacts it can have on conservation efforts. I strayed from the conservation goal shortly to train as a canine behviourist, which has given me a great insight into the complexities of species behaviour and how dogs can be used in conservation.
I have project-managed a variety of nature recovery efforts across Wrexham including: wildflower meadows, pond creation, tree planting and species-specific recovery efforts, such as the installation of swift boxes and callers. I am now honored to deliver an essential recovery project for the Eurasian Curlew alongside passionate people, contributing to science-led efforts.
I love being out in nature from a strong coffee in the garden, to walking my dog or finding a new adrenaline sport to try. I aim to give everything my best and look forward to being a part of the GWCT team efforts.”
Come say hello!
The GWCT would like to invite everyone to join our Curlew Talk at the Royal Welsh Show, discussing the theme: “Keeping Them Alive“:
- Date: Wednesday 22nd July
- Time: 1pm – 2pm
- Location: GWCT stand (behind Welsh Gov. Building, next to pond area).
The decline in the number of curlew chicks reaching feldging age and successfully becoming breeding adults has been recognised as one of the priority factors impacting population decline, and where conservation efforts are required.The pannel will discuss the issues facing curlew chick survival and the effectiveness of the measures used to increase survival rates. We will cover the challenges faced when protecting curlews from egg to fledging, including striking a balance between conserving curlew habitat and the pressures farmers face with the need to cut fields for silage. The pannel features passionate people who are committed to working together to find this balance and help improve curlew fledgling success rates:
- Bleddyn Thomas – GWCT wader research scientist
- Andy Owen – Montgomeryshire Farmer
- Hannah Farnell – Gwlad y Gylfinir Project Mangager
- Kaylee Fay – Gwlad y Gylfinir Project Officer
The Gwlad y Gylfinir (Land of the Curlew) project will be working to increase chick survival rates and further explore the effectiveness of various field methods to achieve this over the next 3 years. We are passionate about the curlew and the communities of Wales who are integral to the ongoing success of curlew conservation. We believe that open and honest conversations between all those who are connected with the curlew will give us the best chance of making a positive and sustainable change to curlew population growth.
We would love to see you and welcome you to join the discussion on how we can best help this iconic species.
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