Lapwing Welfare and Farmland Conservation in 2025

The lapwing is an iconic farmland wading bird that has suffered severe population decline due to agricultural intensification, with its welfare and conservation status remaining of serious concern in 2025.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations have declined by approximately 80% since the 1960s
They require short, tussocky grass or bare ground for nesting adjacent to wet grassland for foraging
Nesting on arable land makes eggs and chicks vulnerable to agricultural machinery
Lapwings are colonial nesters and benefit from group defence against predators
Agri-environment schemes targeting lapwing have shown positive results where well-implemented

Welfare Considerations

Individual lapwings face welfare challenges including nest destruction by machinery, chick mortality from aerial predation without habitat structure to hide in, and starvation when invertebrate-rich wet grassland is drained. The species is highly vigilant, meaning chronic disturbance from human activity near nest sites causes stress and nest abandonment. Conservation measures such as delayed cutting, wet grassland creation, and reduced pesticide use directly improve survival and wellbeing of individual birds.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes targeted at lapwing breeding habitat on farmland
Advocate for agricultural policies that reward farmers for lapwing conservation outcomes
Avoid disturbing lapwing nesting areas between March and June
Encourage farmers to delay mowing and tillage operations near known nesting sites