Wildlife Welfare

Wild Lapwing Welfare and Farming

Lapwings have declined dramatically on UK farmland. Conservation farming approaches that protect nesting pairs have significant welfare and conservation co-benefits.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations have declined by over 50% since the 1970s
Agricultural intensification including spring cultivation timing is a major driver
Lapwing nest losses to nest destruction during cultivation cause direct welfare harm
Agri-environment scheme payments incentivise lapwing-friendly management
Providing nesting habitat through field margin management and spring fallows helps recovery

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing chick and egg mortality from agricultural operations causes direct, preventable welfare harm. Targeted farming changes that protect nesting sites benefit both individual welfare and population conservation.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that include lapwing conservation payments
Buy from farms participating in verified lapwing conservation farming schemes
Learn to identify lapwing nests and avoid disturbance during spring farming
Advocate for agricultural policy that supports farmland bird conservation