The European golden plover is a stunning upland wader that breeds on British moorland and winters in flocks on farmland, with its welfare depending on the condition of both peatland breeding habitat and lowland agricultural grassland.
Golden plover welfare on breeding uplands depends on the extent and condition of blanket bog and heather moorland with accessible bare peat for nesting. Afforestation of upland peatland has eliminated breeding habitat at many traditional sites. Overgrazing removes the vegetation structure needed for nesting. Wintering birds on lowland farmland are vulnerable to hard frosts that freeze earthworm-rich soil. Climate change may reduce the extent of suitable upland habitat as vegetation composition shifts.