Wildlife

Lapwing Winter Welfare on UK Farmland

Lapwings gather in large flocks during winter and their welfare depends on access to wet grassland and invertebrate-rich agricultural land.

Key Facts

UK lapwing populations are supplemented in winter by birds from continental Europe
They feed on earthworms and soil invertebrates in wet grassland and arable fields
Frozen ground prevents feeding causing welfare stress and mortality in severe winters
Large winter flocks of thousands of birds use traditional sites
Loss of permanent pasture and traditional wet grassland has reduced winter food availability

Welfare Considerations

Winter lapwing welfare is primarily affected by food availability and access to unfrozen ground. Prolonged freezing periods cause lapwings to move south or west to find food but large numbers may die in severe cold snaps. The loss of traditional wet grassland feeding areas forces lapwings into agricultural fields where food availability is lower. Disturbance of wintering flocks forces costly relocations during a period of energy stress.

What You Can Do

Support wet grassland conservation for wintering waders
Avoid disturbing lapwing flocks during winter especially in cold weather
Participate in national wader count surveys to monitor winter lapwing populations
Advocate for agri-environment schemes maintaining wet grassland for wintering birds
Report large lapwing flocks to local bird recording groups