Voneus pledges support to conservation webcam

A live webcam showcasing the nesting activity of rare birds in Shropshire is up and running once again thanks to fibre broadband specialists Voneus.

Delivered by charity Curlew Country, the Curlew Cam is a live stream offering a glimpse into the nesting habits of curlews.

Curlew Country is based in the Shropshire hills and Powys borders, and since 2015 has worked in close partnership with land managers, volunteers and the wider community to reverse what was a declining trend towards extinction for these secretive wading birds.

The first live curlew cam was set up in 2017. During its initial two years of monitoring more than 20 nests, not a single chick survived to fully fledge.

But thanks to the pioneering work of Curlew Country, in the last seven years 149 fully fledged chicks have been returned to the natural environment.

Curlew Cam beams a live stream of the Curlews’ nest in the Shropshire Hills to enthusiasts all over the world.

The technology and live feed is provided by Voneus, experts in rural connectivity who are bringing fibre broadband to Shropshire.

Amanda Perkins, who heads up Curlew Country, said: “I am so excited and grateful that Voneus has chosen to support our Curlew Cam as we are in a race against time to try and save these birds and their beautiful sound from extinction. 

“Curlew Country has been delivering real conservation on the ground for this red listed species for years and now acts on a national level in both England and Wales as part of the Curlew Recovery Group and Gylfinir Cymru steering groups.

“We use Curlew Cam to disseminate information about curlew behaviour and needs and of course to engage more people in their cause and as a flagship for the species and our area.”

Francesca Lee, chief commercial officer at Voneus, said: “We were delighted to support Curlew Country by providing the connectivity for Curlew Cam, enabling world wide access to these beautiful birds.

“Getting to know Shropshire and its wide and diverse rural makeup is really important to us, and providing a live link to the nesting curlews is a practical example of what better broadband means. We are excited to watch what the curlews get up to over the next few weeks.”

Voneus recently secured £12 million of government funding to deliver fast, reliable broadband to around 6,000 eligible homes across large areas of rural Shropshire, including Alberbury, Westbury, Snailbeach, Wentnor, Ford, Hanwood, Longden, Dorrington, Leebotwood and Bicton.

Following a merger with the former Shropshire based SWS Broadband in September 2023, Voneus is also committed to building full fibre in towns and villages across South Shropshire, including Church Stretton, Bishop’s Castle and Craven Arms.