Wildlife

Wild Lapwing Breeding Welfare

Lapwings are charismatic farmland waders in serious decline, with welfare implications from agricultural changes and predation at nest sites.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations have declined by 80% since the 1970s
Lapwings nest in short, sparse vegetation from March to June
Agricultural drainage and silage has reduced traditional wet meadow nesting habitat
Chick survival requires nearby invertebrate-rich habitat for foraging
Lapwings perform spectacular tumbling aerial display to defend territory

Welfare Considerations

Lapwing breeding failure through habitat loss and predation causes direct welfare costs to breeding pairs and chick mortality. Wet meadow restoration and predator management at key sites significantly improves breeding success. Each successfully fledged chick represents a welfare success from conservation investment.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes creating wet meadow habitat for lapwings
Contribute to lapwing monitoring schemes in your area
Advocate for farmland bird targets in agricultural policy frameworks