Lapwings gather in large winter flocks in lowland farmland and wetlands, and the availability of suitable feeding habitat during cold snaps is critical for individual survival.
Individual lapwings in winter flocks face the constant challenge of finding adequate earthworm and invertebrate food on farmland. During hard frosts, birds that cannot access food face rapid weight loss and death from starvation - a direct welfare harm affecting thousands of birds. Winter habitat provision through agri-environment schemes directly prevents this suffering.