Lapwing Welfare: Farmland Bird in Freefall

The lapwing was once the most abundant farmland bird in Britain. Its 80% decline since the 1970s represents one of the most significant farmland bird welfare crises of the modern era.

Key Facts

Lapwing populations in the UK have declined by around 80% since the 1970s
They were the most abundant British farmland bird within living memory
Lapwings are ground-nesting birds that require short, sparse vegetation for nesting in early spring
Agricultural intensification has made most arable and improved grassland unsuitable for nesting
Agri-environment scheme payments for lapwing-friendly management have produced local recoveries
Lapwing chicks eat invertebrates and require insect-rich fields within days of hatching

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing population collapse reflects a systematic welfare failure across the agricultural landscape. Nest losses occur from early ploughing and rolling that destroys eggs before they hatch, from predation on exposed ground, and from chick starvation in improved grasslands with few invertebrates. Adult lapwings defending nests against predators experience acute stress from repeated territorial conflicts. The loss of mixed farming — which historically provided lapwings with a mosaic of habitat types through the year — has removed the ecological conditions that sustained large breeding populations. Targeted agri-environment payments for lapwing management demonstrate that recovery is possible where management is specifically adapted to their needs.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for stronger agri-environment scheme targets for farmland birds including lapwings
Visit nature reserves with managed lapwing habitat to support wildlife organisations financially
Learn to identify lapwing displays and contribute to BTO Breeding Bird Survey monitoring
Advocate for mixed farming approaches that create diverse habitat mosaics benefiting ground-nesting birds