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Operation Lapwing
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About Operation Lapwing

Lapwing in rushy pasture, Northumberland

Many farmers are at the forefront of the fight to save lapwings.

This project aims to support the conservation work of many farmers and encourage others, whatever their farming system, to take action for lapwings and other countryside birds.

The evocative cries and tumbling displays of lapwings, a familiar and loved feature of our countryside for hundreds of years, is now much rarer. The total number of lapwings breeding in the UK has decreased by more than half in just ten years.

The project looks to incorporate land management advice for farmers, promotion of their conservation role, and engage the public in saving this enigmatic bird.

What is involved?

The RSPB has produced a five-point plan to help farmers help lapwings. The plans have been designed to be appropriate to arable, livestock and upland farming systems. Each plan has five easy steps which will help farmers provide what lapwings need:

  • sparse vegetation - vital for nesting
  • good supply of earthworms and insects to feed themselves and their chicks.           

Farmers, who wish to, can receive a lapwing management pack - specific to their farm type and/or enter the RSPB Operation Lapwing competition to promote their work.

Bird guide