Support our beloved birds this winter

Help prepare our nature reserves for breeding season, creating safe habitats and giving vulnerable birds the best chance to survival.

Lone Lapwing, stood in long grass
Small flock of Lapwing in flight against a clear blue sky

Their future depends on what we do now

Beautiful birds, like Lapwings who live and take refuge on the UK’s wetlands and grasslands, have graced these landscapes for generations. Their tumbling flight, iridescent feathers and unmistakable calls are a treasured part of the UK's natural heritage.  

But today, these beautiful birds are disappearing. Lapwing breeding numbers have fallen by 56% in just 30 years. Without action, there is little chance of recovery. Will you give today to help prepare safe breeding habitats before spring arrives? 

The race to prepare for spring has begun

What we do this winter could offer hope for the species. Because if we work together to restore habitats on RSPB nature reserves now, come spring, the next generation of Lapwings – and the other wildlife we share our land with – will have the best chance of survival. 

Right now, RSPB teams and volunteers are busy building predator-proof fencing, managing water levels and creating and restoring wetland features, and working with farmers to create safer nesting environments. Preparations like these create the conditions birds like Lapwings need to breed successfully when spring arrives. And your donation makes this possible. 

We share this land, let’s make sure we don’t share the loss of our birds. 

Lapwing, adult in flight
Lapwing
Together, we can create a world where people and wildlife thrive side by side:
  • £15 could help us build fencing that can be used to protect Lapwing nests in the spring. 
  • £25 could help with clearing scrub and rush cutting to create chick feeding areas near nesting sites. 
  • £50 could help create new wetland features, so chicks can access the food they need. 
Lapwings are on the UK'sRed List,the highest level of conservation concern.
UK Lapwing numbers have fallen by56%between 1995 and 2024.
During the winter,10%of the European population of Lapwings reside in the UK.
Lapwing, adult sitting on grassland with young

Why are we losing our Lapwings?

Devastatingly, UK Lapwing numbers have fallen by over half in the last 30 years. 

As ground-nesting birds, Lapwings are vulnerable to many threats and predators. And changing farming practices have accelerated Lapwing habitat loss. As a result, fewer chicks are fledging and surviving to maturity – and it’s putting the whole species at risk. 

Sadly, without urgent intervention, more vulnerable chicks will die before they can fledge and fend for themselves. We need your urgent support to help recover the species and give Lapwings and their young a chance to thrive. 

These joyful birds have been here for countless generations. To lose them would be a universal loss. It’s down to us to ensure they’re here for generations to come.”

- Andy Evans, RSPB Head of Species Recovery 

A proven method of recovery

We know that the right action can make a real difference for Lapwings. In places like The Reef, on the island of Tiree in Scotland, we’ve already seen remarkable signs of success thanks to winter preparedness.  

In 2025, our teams maintained vital protective fencing and worked with local crofters to deliver essential autumn and winter grazing for Lapwings and other wading birds. As a result, there are now 346 breeding pairs on the nature reserve. 

By working together, we can give Lapwings and other threatened birds the best chance of recovery right across the UK.

A Lapwing stood on moorland

Make a gift today

Your gift will support conservation teams to restore habitats and help vulnerable birds thrive once more.

Curlew, adult in grassland
Curlew
And it's not just Lapwings who'd benefit.

Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatcher share these same wetlands and grasslands, so your support this winter helps protect a whole community of birds we share our land with. 

Where you donation goes

Your generosity will help the RSPB restore and enhance habitats on our nature reserves and across the UK, protecting threatened species like Lapwings. Thank you.