Wildlife

Lapwing Nesting Welfare: Supporting Ground-Nesting Birds on Farmland

Evidence-based guide to lapwing nesting welfare — a declining farmland species dependent on sympathetic agricultural management.

Key Facts

Lapwings are ground-nesting waders that have declined by over 50% since the 1970s in the UK
They nest in open fields with sparse vegetation — a habitat increasingly rare on modern farms
Nest losses to agricultural machinery — particularly rolling and harrowing — are a major welfare and conservation concern
Predation by foxes, crows, and badgers accounts for significant nest failure
Chick welfare is critical — lapwing chicks cannot fly for several weeks after hatching and depend on invertebrate-rich habitats
Agri-environment schemes can incentivise nest protection and habitat management
Some farmers voluntarily mark nests and leave uncut buffer zones during operations
Wader-friendly farming restores the conditions that supported lapwing abundance

Welfare Significance

Lapwing welfare on farmland is inseparable from the quality of agricultural management. Ground-nesting birds like lapwings are acutely vulnerable to nest destruction and chick starvation. Working with farming communities to protect nesting habitats represents one of the most impactful welfare and conservation interventions available.

What You Can Do

Report lapwing nests on your land to avoid machinery disturbance
Join agri-environment schemes that incentivise wader-friendly management
Delay cultivation near known nesting areas until chicks have fledged
Contact the RSPB for advice on supporting lapwings on your farm