Wildlife

Wild Lapwing Chick Survival Welfare

Lapwing chick survival is critically low in intensively managed farmland, with chick starvation from lack of insect prey the primary cause of population-level decline.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations declined 60% between 1970 and 2020
Lapwing chicks are nidifugous and must find their own insect food from hatching
Invertebrate-rich habitat near nesting sites is essential for chick survival
Damp grassland with rush pastures provides the highest insect densities for chicks
Predator control is necessary in some situations to protect nesting adults and chicks

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing chick starvation from insect food shortage is the primary welfare and conservation crisis. Invertebrate habitat restoration is the most effective intervention.

What You Can Do

Support damp grassland restoration projects in lapwing breeding areas
Advocate for agri-environment schemes providing insect-rich habitat near lapwing nests
Record lapwing sightings and breeding attempts through monitoring schemes
Raise awareness of lapwing chick food requirements as a policy priority