Wildlife

Wild Lapwing Chick Welfare on Farmland

Lapwing chicks are highly vulnerable to agricultural machinery, predation and nest disturbance, requiring targeted farmland management to support successful fledging.

Key Facts

Lapwing populations in the UK have declined by 60% since 1970, largely due to agricultural intensification
Chicks are nidifugous and mobile within hours of hatching, relying on insect-rich grassland
Silage cutting in May-June coincides with peak chick vulnerability
Nest markers used by landowners allow machinery to avoid active nests
Agri-environment scheme uptake creates insect-rich grassland supporting chick survival

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing chick mortality from agricultural machinery causes individual suffering and contributes to population collapse. Nest protection schemes and delayed grassland management are proven interventions.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that fund lapwing-friendly grassland management
Ask land managers about nest marking protocols on their farmland
Record lapwing sightings and breeding status through RSPB and BTO surveys