Birchcliff Energy Ltd. TSX: BIR

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 10, 2008) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (TSX:BIR) is pleased to announce that it is currently producing approximately 12,000 Boe/day and expects to achieve the high end of its forecasted 2008 exit production of 14,000 Boe/day.

In addition, as a result of recent drilling and completion success, we also have 1,000 to 2,000 Boe/day of facility constrained natural gas production in our Pouce Coupe area. Our facility constrained production will be brought on as natural declines from the Pouce Coupe area free up facility capacity.

Recent completion results on horizontal wells in our Montney/Doig natural gas resource play show improved flow tests. Subsequent to the previously announced Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas well that tested at 11.0 mmcf/day of raw gas, Birchcliff has tested four more Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells in this program that had stabilized raw gas test rates of 3.9, 5.3, 8.4 and 10.6 mmcf/day, (90.6%, 100%, 70%, and 100% working interest respectively) averaging over 7.0 mmcf/day. This represents a significant increase from our early well results of the Montney/Doig horizontal well program and supports the theme of continued technology improvements.

BOE CONVERSIONS:

The term barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. Per barrel of oil equivalent ("boe") amounts have been calculated using a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent ("6:1"). A boe conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Certain information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Birchcliff's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, competition from other industry participants, the competition for qualified personnel and management, stock market volatility and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Birchcliff's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements, and accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits will derive there from. Except as required by law, Birchcliff disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Birchcliff is a publicly traded company that trades on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "BIR".

The TSX Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.