Four curlew chicks have hatched from eggs rescued earlier this year from a wildfire on Sliabh Beagh, County Fermanagh. The Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust confirmed the chicks are healthy and active.

The eggs were recovered and placed in an incubation programme after the wildfire threatened the nest site. The trust stated that all four eggs hatched successfully and the young birds are thriving.

A video recording shows the chicks' development from their first calls inside the eggs to hatching and transfer to a heated holding pen. The trust said that the future of these birds had been uncertain a few weeks ago.

The rescue involved multiple organisations. The Breeding Waders EIP Project runs a curlew headstarting programme that supported the effort. RSPB Northern Ireland and PeacePlus Nature provided backing and confidence in the project, according to the trust.

Conservation worker Róisín was recognised for her professionalism and tireless work. Conservation Detection Dogs NI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Forest Service NI, local landowners and volunteers all contributed to protecting curlew and other breeding wader species.

Curlew populations have declined significantly across Ireland, making the successful hatching a notable event for the species' conservation on Sliabh Beagh.