Redshank Conservation: Wet Grassland Management

Redshanks are wetland waders that have declined significantly due to grassland drainage, with wet grassland restoration showing good recovery potential.

Key Facts

UK redshank populations declined by 40% on lowland wet grassland between 1982 and 2015
They require tussocky grass with shallow water areas for feeding and nesting cover
Wet grassland drainage for agricultural improvement eliminated most suitable lowland habitat
RSPB and Wildlife Trust reserves demonstrate strong redshank populations with appropriate management
Agri-environment scheme payments for wet grassland management have helped stabilise some populations

Welfare Considerations

Redshank welfare on declining wet grassland reflects systematic habitat loss. Individual birds attempting to breed in drained, improved grassland experience nest failure from predation due to loss of tussocky concealing cover and from lack of invertebrate prey in dry soil. Wet grassland restoration creates the conditions for successful breeding: shallow water areas for feeding chicks, dense grass cover for nest concealment and high invertebrate abundance. Each restored hectare of wet grassland provides welfare benefits to breeding redshanks through improved breeding success, directly preventing the welfare costs of repeated failed breeding attempts.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation charities restoring lowland wet grassland for wading birds
Advocate for agri-environment scheme payments requiring wet grassland management for redshanks
Participate in wading bird monitoring to contribute population trend data
Encourage landowners to restore drained grassland supporting redshank and other wetland species