Lapwing Conservation on British Farmland

Lapwings have declined by 58% on British farmland since the 1980s, with targeted agri-environment measures showing some signs of recovery in managed areas.

Key Facts

UK lapwing farmland population declined by 58% between 1987 and 2018
Lapwings require short open vegetation for nesting and short grass for feeding chicks
Agricultural intensification has eliminated most suitable lapwing nesting habitat from arable land
Agri-environment schemes paying for lapwing-friendly management show local recovery
Lapwings have a characteristic tumbling display flight and haunting wailing call

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing declines reflect the welfare consequences of systemic habitat change. Individual lapwings attempting to breed in unsuitable modern agricultural landscapes experience high nest failure from predation, agricultural operations and disturbance. Chicks unable to find appropriate foraging habitat starve. Each breeding season becomes more difficult than the last as suitable habitat contracts. Targeted agri-environment interventions that create suitable nesting and chick-rearing habitat directly improve individual welfare outcomes within the breeding season.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes specifically targeting lapwing conservation
Advocate for expanded agri-environment funding for farmland wader recovery
Report lapwing sightings to local wildlife trusts to support population monitoring
Encourage farmers to retain field corners and wet flushes important for lapwing chick survival