Golden plovers are stunning upland waders that breed on moorland and winter in lowland fields. Climate change and upland habitat loss are affecting their breeding success and welfare across their British range.
Golden plover welfare is affected by climate change-driven changes to their upland breeding habitat, lead poisoning from shot-over fields in winter, and disturbance during breeding. Blanket bog drying reduces the earthworm and invertebrate prey available for chicks during their critical early weeks. Lead poisoning causes sublethal neurological effects and, at high levels, death. These are welfare harms that are addressable through upland rewetting, transition to non-lead ammunition, and access management during the breeding season.