Wildlife

Wild Lapwing Farming Welfare

Lapwings are declining farmland birds whose welfare depends on wet grassland and arable farming systems that support their invertebrate prey and nesting requirements.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations have declined by 53% since the 1970s
Lapwings require bare or short-sward areas for nesting with invertebrate-rich feeding nearby
Spring agricultural operations disrupt nesting through trampling and disturbance
Agri-environment scheme creation of lapwing scrapes has supported recovery at some sites
Wet grassland creation on farms is the single most impactful lapwing conservation intervention

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing chicks killed by farm machinery or livestock trampling in nest areas face traumatic death. Adults whose nests are trampled experience breeding failure after weeks of investment. Inadequate invertebrate prey in intensively managed grassland causes chronic nutritional stress for chick-rearing adults. Agri-environment scheme management that creates wet grassland, bare scrapes, and invertebrate-rich foraging habitat directly reduces these welfare harms.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes funding lapwing habitat creation on farms
Engage with local farmers about lapwing-friendly management near breeding areas
Participate in lapwing nest monitoring volunteer schemes
Donate to RSPB and county wildlife trusts managing lapwing habitat
Advocate for wet grassland creation to be prioritised in agricultural policy