Lapwings are a UK priority species in serious decline. Upland breeding lapwings face particular welfare challenges from predation, agricultural change, and weather events.
Lapwing welfare during the breeding season is highly precarious. Adult birds are intensely attentive parents, performing dramatic distraction displays that expose them to predation risk. Chicks face hypothermia from cold spring weather and starvation if invertebrate food supplies are inadequate - both welfare-relevant harms. Nest failure caused by agricultural operations represents acute welfare impact as eggs are destroyed. Sympathetic farming through delayed cutting and creation of scrapes and wet areas significantly improves breeding success and chick survival.