Wildlife

Shorebird Nesting Welfare

Ground-nesting shorebirds including lapwing, curlew, and ringed plover are among the most rapidly declining UK breeding birds.

Key Facts

Curlew is now the UK's most threatened wading bird with numbers declining by 48% since 1994
Lapwing has declined by 60% as a UK breeding bird since the 1970s
Nest failures due to predation, agricultural machinery, and disturbance are primary causes
Agri-environment schemes with predator management and delayed cutting have proved effective
Coastal shorebirds face additional threats from human disturbance and habitat development

Welfare Considerations

Shorebird welfare is critically compromised by nest failure through multiple threats. Targeted management of farming practices, predator pressure, and human disturbance represents the most effective welfare intervention for this group.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads during shorebird breeding season on upland and coastal habitats
Support RSPB wader conservation projects and upland farm partnerships
Engage with farmers implementing wader-friendly management through agri-environment schemes
Report suspected nest disturbance to wildlife trusts or RSPB
Contribute to nest monitoring surveys if you live near wader breeding habitat