The multitude of estuaries, lagoons, beaches and bays with mudflats, shingle, sand and rocky shores makes Ireland ideal for many wintering and migrating shorebirds. Our breeding waders are faring much less well, with the Curlew declining by 82% in Northern Ireland between 1985 and 2013, while its breeding range has reduced 78% in Ireland. Breeding Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank have suffered similar declines. Changes in agriculture, for example intensification, greater mowing for silage and drainage, together with land abandonment are considered the key factors.