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Angela and Alex McColl

Angela and Alex McColl - Lapwing Champion winners 2006
Alex and Angela McColl

Delighted to have won the Scottish Operation Lapwing Competition, Angela and Alex McColl, of Loig Farm in Perthshire, were ecstatic to then go on to win the overall UK prize.

With presentation at both the Royal Highland Show in June and then the Royal Show in July, the McColls have been fantastic advocates for their lapwing-friendly farming. 

Restoring a wetland and wet grassland within a previously drained area of floodplain has seen a great response from both lapwings and redshanks and attracts wintering wildfowl too. 

The wetland lies within their mixed organic enterprise providing nesting and feeding opportunities on grassland and spring cropped ground, all within easy reach of wet features for rearing chicks. The level of media interest has been great, with many articles in the local, regional and national press.

In trying to drain the wetland, my father-in-law was fighting against nature

The McColls beat off competition from 239 other farmers to win the competition. Angela McColl said, ‘It’s been all about letting the farm do what it does best. In trying to drain the wetland, my father-in-law was fighting against nature. Now we are letting the land revert to its natural condition, which has made it so much more attractive to wildlife. Lapwings and redshanks were quick to return and were rapidly followed by many other species.’

The McColls opted to go organic four years ago and believe the switch has enabled wildlife to flourish. They have a number of agri-environment schemes running and other measures now helping wildlife include spring sown crops with stubbles left over winter, and controls on cattle grazing.

Angela McColl said, ‘Our farm is still profitable but at the same time is giving us pleasure. And the benefits for wildlife mean other people are enjoying the land too.’

Last modified: 01 September 2006