Go Wild In The Curl
Curl Group Catchment
The Curl Brook can be found in north-west Herefordshire; rising above Lyonshall the catchment consists of 7000 acres of rural Herefordshire and is occupied by approximately 600 people. As with national trends, wildlife and water quality in the catchment has come under pressure in recent years. In response to this the Go Wild in the Curl group, made up of local farmers and land owners, formed in 2016.
Did you know?
The Go Wild in the Curl Group is currently made up of 24 local farmers so it covers over 70% of the catchment area. Farming is diverse in the Curl, ranging from arable cropping, beef and sheep to orchards, dairy and poultry.
We hope that by working together we will improve:
Water quality
Connectivity between habitats
Cooperation between neighbours
Understanding of wildlife
Commercial advantage for local farmers
Understanding between community and landowners
Levels of invasive species

See what we have been up to in the Curl:
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Land Use Change:
See how the landscape of the Curl has changed since this Tithe Map was drawn in 1840.
Link to the map -
Water Quality Data
To find out about the conditions in the Curl click here to visit the Environment Agency’s Catchment Explorer:
Link to the map -
Electrofishing Summary
Each year the Wye & Usk Foundation undertake electro-fishing surveys to assess the health of life in the Curl. To read the most recent results click here:
Download PDF -
Invasive Species
There are a number of invasive species present in the Curl. During the project we will work to eradicate as many as possible starting with Himalayan Balsam. To help identify it and find out how to control it click here:
Download PDF -
Big Farmland Bird Count
Each year we will take part in the Big Farmland Bird Count to monitor the number and diversity of bird species in the Curl.
To find out more and how to get involved click here: -
Householder Information
If you live in the Curl there are things you can do to help! If you would like to volunteer for wildlife surveys or help us to eradicate invasives please contact Tony or Lucinda. If you would like to see what you can do at home visit our If You Live Here section of the Join In page:
Link to the map -
Group Events
The Curl group meet regularly often focusing on different topics or themes. Here are some of the meetings we've had so far: Stewardship Farm Walk with the Price family at Moorcourt. Bird ID Training at Lower Hope Farm kindly organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Summer Farm Walks at Moseley Farm kindly hosted by the Norman Family and also at Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, kindly hosted by the Pim family. Alternative water for stock event with the Williams family at Marston Court Farm.
Want a glimpse in to the lives of the wildlife living in the Curl? Watch this!
Want to get involved or find out more?
If you live in the Curl Brook Catchment and would like to be involved please get in touch. There are a wide range of ways that local farmers, residents and volunteers can help to restore the Curl to its full potential.
For more details contact:
Lucinda Lewis (Wye & Usk Foundation) Email: lucinda@wyeuskfoundation.org
or
Tony Norman (The Leen) Email: tony@theleen.co.uk
“The European Agricultural fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. This project has received European Union funding under the Countryside Stewardship Schemes’s Facilitation Fund”.