The privately owned reserve is working closely with conservationists in upland areas, such as the Yorkshire Dales, where the curlew population is healthier.
Eggs were removed from nests in vulnerable locations, such as near footpaths or in fields that would be cut for grass before the chicks were ready.
They were then transported to Elmley for hatching.
Curlews like to return to their place of birth to nest and so conservationists hope the birds will choose the Sheppey reserve as the place to raise their young in the wild.
This is year four of the project and so far more than 100 birds have been released on to the reserve.
Fulton says the birds which have returned are "very young" and "take a long time to mature".
"They're kind of teenagers at the moment," he told the BBC.
"We're hoping next year they'll just be old enough to start having their own chicks."
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, on X, external, and on Instagram, external and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
