Wildlife

UK Lapwing Conservation and Farmland Management

Conservation of lapwings in UK farmland and wetlands through targeted management interventions.

Key Facts

Lapwing populations have declined by over 50% since the 1970s in England
Mixed farming with spring crops provides nesting opportunities for lapwings
Wet areas and rush pastures support lapwing chick feeding needs
Predator management on nature reserves improves lapwing breeding success
Agri-environment scheme payments incentivise lapwing-friendly farming

Welfare Considerations

Individual lapwings face high chick mortality from agricultural intensification and predation, with habitat management directly determining survival rates.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust lapwing conservation programmes
Advocate for lapwing-friendly agri-environment measures
Visit nature reserves managing wet grassland for wading birds