Wildlife

Wild Lapwing: Nest Protection and Agricultural Coexistence

Lapwing nests in arable fields are highly vulnerable to agricultural operations, with simple measures saving many nests each season.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations declined by over 50% since the 1980s due to agricultural change
Lapwing nests are ground-based and vulnerable to cultivation during the breeding season
Nest markers placed by farmers allow cultivation to avoid nest sites
Mixed farming with spring cropping dramatically improves lapwing breeding success

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing eggs and chicks crushed by agricultural machinery die from traumatic injury. Working with individual farmers to identify and mark nests is a highly cost-effective welfare intervention. Each protected nest represents direct reduction in animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Contact Lapwing LIFE project or local wildlife trusts to volunteer for nest marking
Support agri-environment schemes that require spring tillage options
Advocate for lapwing nest protection inclusion in farm subsidy conditions