How are farmland birds doing in the Cairngorms?

The Cairngorms has one of the largest populations of breeding waders in the UK. Every five years since 2000, the Cairngorms Wader Survey looks at the breeding population of some of our much-loved farmland species: Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatcher. 

The data builds an important understanding of how these birds are faring, helping to shape vital conservation action for species that are under increasing pressure. What we learn from the survey directly supports collaborative action across the Cairngorms by farmers, agricultural agents and partner organisations helping identify where waders are and where to target key habitat management and improvement to have the greatest impact.  

Last year, a record number of volunteers stepped forward to help repeat the survey thanks to the RSPB Species Volunteer Network, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Together with invaluable support from farmers and partners including the Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot, their efforts made the coverage of the survey a great success. 

Unfortunately, the picture painted by the results is concerning for our waders. While there is still work to be done to fully understand the data, there is a confirmed decline in all species since the last survey. 

All the species surveyed saw declines since the previous survey took place in 2021 across all areas. Redshanks have seen the most significant decline (45%) followed by Lapwing (25%), Curlew (24%), Snipe (18%) and Oystercatcher (15%). 

While the overall picture is worrying, there are some localised areas with more hopeful findings showing increases which could be a result of positive habitat management delivered through the partnership. Farmers across the Cairngorms have carried out much work to benefit waders. Without this, it is thought that the overall decline would be larger. 

Further work is being done to assess the data with the hope of using the behaviour of birds recorded in the survey, along with chicks seen, to understand more about where birds are breeding and nesting. Understanding the declines captured by the survey is crucial to determine how they can be slowed and reversed in future years with the support of targeted advice and management. 

These results reflect trends we see beyond the Cairngorms. Breeding waders have declined in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Since 1994, across Scotland, Lapwing have declined 64%, Curlew 65% and Oystercatcher 42%.

Waders are facing a combination of threats which include habitat loss, unfavourable habitat management and predation. Other possible factors include an aging population, insect availability impacting chicks, changing weather patterns and an increase in woodland planting.  

In the face of these pressures, it is essential we take what action we can to help build the resilience of wader populations. There is no quick fix for saving species, but through sustained collaboration working in partnership with other organisations and landowners and supported by research and monitoring, we hope to secure a brighter future for Scotland’s threatened wader populations. 

Research and monitoring, including the Cairngorms Wader Survey, alongside knowledge gained from farmer experience, is building a better understanding of what is affecting breeding waders. 

We use that knowledge to work with farmers, crofters and land managers through the Strathspey and Grampian Wetlands and Wader Initiatives to help improve the situation for waders, including directly carrying out habitat management, providing a machinery loan scheme and delivering habitat management on our own nature reserves like Insh Marshes in the Cairngorms. RSPB Scotland will continue to deliver this support and practical conservation management to try and turn things around for waders. 

RSPB Scotland also promote and campaign for Scottish Government policies and payment schemes which support nature friendly farming. We help many farmers that are applying to the Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme, advising them and their agricultural advisors on how to get the best outcomes for these species and for their businesses. Nature friendly farming is how we secure food, restore nature and protect the climate. Scottish Government must increase investment and support for schemes like this to ensure farmers and crofters are able take action for nature and climate on the land they manage.

There are lots of ways you can help make a difference for threatened wader species.  

• Make sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when you spend time in nature. During spring and summer, be mindful to avoid breeding areas and keep dogs on a lead to help ground-nesting birds. 

• Raise awareness of Scotland’s incredible wader species by celebrating local populations and sharing your knowledge. 

• Call on the Scottish Government to increase nature-friendly farming. 

• Look for opportunities to volunteer or fundraise for nature. 

While there is no simple solution which can address the varied threats these species face, we hope that through long-term collaborative efforts supported by science, we can make a positive difference for our waders.