Wading Birds on Farmland: Welfare and Conservation

Lapwing, curlew, snipe, and redshank have declined dramatically on UK farmland due to intensification, making targeted conservation essential for their survival.

Key Facts

Curlew populations in England have declined by 65% since the 1970s
Lapwing numbers have fallen by 53% over the same period
Agricultural intensification including drainage, early silage cutting, and pesticide use are primary drivers
Agri-environment schemes that delay cutting and maintain wet grassland have proven effective
The Curlew Country and Wading Birds Recovery projects are demonstrating landscape-scale recovery approaches

Welfare Considerations

Declining farmland wading birds face welfare challenges at each stage of their life cycle. Nest destruction by early silage cutting kills chicks and embryos. Drainage of wet grassland removes feeding habitat, causing reduced chick survival from food limitation. Predator pressure on declining populations intensifies as birds cluster in remaining habitat. Successful conservation interventions that restore habitat and timing directly improve individual bird welfare by reducing nest failure and chick starvation rates.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust wading bird conservation projects
Advocate for agri-environment schemes that reward delayed cutting and wet grassland management
Choose food products from farms participating in higher-tier agri-environment agreements
Report curlew and lapwing sightings to county bird recorders
Donate to Curlew Country and other species recovery projects