Lapwings on RSPB lowland wet grassland reserves
21 September 2005
Breeding lapwing numbers on lowland wet grassland have crashed, and in some parts of the UK they are largely dependent on nature reserves (where numbers have been maintained). Current research is looking at ways to help this bird in the wider countryside.
This familiar farmland bird is also known as the green plover or peewit, and is regarded by many with much affection. Its wheezing calls and tumbling flight are emblematic of wet meadows.
- Phase of recovery: Trial management/recovery
- Amber list Bird of Conservation Concern
- BAP priority: Wales and Northern Ireland
What was the problem?
There has been a decline in the number of lapwings on lowland wet grassland as a result of changes in farming practices, changes in land use, drainage and unsuitable grazing. In some parts of the UK, lapwings are now restricted to nature reserves.
Research has focused on studying the best ways to manage wet grassland for lapwings. Much of this research has occurred on RSPB reserves and it has included looking at water level management, and the effect of livestock grazing and trampling and research into the best ways of encouraging invertebrates that chicks depend on. Trials showed that prolonged and widespread flooding of wet grassland was not successful as it reduced invertebrates in the soil.
We now know that the best way to manage for lapwings on wet grasslands is to produce a mosaic of flooded and non-flooded ground, with short vegetation, plenty of invertebrates and some semi-permanent pools. Grazing is vital to maintain the optimum sward, but a balance between the correct level of grazing and risk of nest trampling must be struck. This knowledge has been incorporated into agri-environment schemes and plans for managing other wet grassland sites.
Wet grassland has declined and is now rare in some areas. The RSPB has acquired lowland wet grassland or land to recreate wet grassland to help maintain the lapwing’s range. Our reserves at West Sedgemoor, Somerset; Ynys Hir, Cardiganshire; Otmoor, Oxfordshire; Berney Marshes, Norfolk; Campfield Marsh, Cumbria and Insh Marshes, Highland, are also used as demonstration sites so other land managers can learn how to create ideal conditions for lapwings.
Lapwing numbers are being maintained on the RSPB’s lowland wet grassland reserves in contrast to the national trend, and our management benefits other breeding wading birds such as black-tailed godwits, snipe and redshanks. Invertebrates also benefit from our management of coastal grazing marsh including the Maid of Kent – a beetle that only occurs on RSPB reserves managed for wading birds.
21 September 2005
Although we now have a good idea how to create the best habitat to encourage breeding lapwings on wet grassland reserves, there is still much we don’t know.
For example, we are continuing research to investigate ways of increasing the number of chicks that fledge. RSPB researchers are currently investigating low cost ways of creating wet patches on drier areas of land, and working out how to increase densities of invertebrate food for lapwing chicks.
Lowland wet grassland is still a threatened habitat, affected by many factors. We will continue to press for agri-environment schemes that can secure good management of wet grassland sites. Water supply is also critical to managing this habitat, and we will continue to press government for action on flood management, water abstraction and water quality.
In some areas, lapwings are now dependent on nature reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The RSPB is pressing for lapwings to be included in SSSI designations on key lowland wet grassland sites that are important for the species. The RSPB is also urging that more should be done to get existing lowland wet grassland SSSIs into favourable condition.
Climate change is an increasingly important consideration for managing lapwings and other species on wet grassland. Wetland habitats will be affected by changes in both the amount and the seasonal timing of rainfall, and protecting wet grassland in southern parts of the UK is likely to become increasingly difficult. Our reserves will therefore continue to play an important role in maintaining lapwing populations in these areas.
Thank you to all the farmers and landowners who have been involved in improving their land to make it more suitable for lapwings. The achievement of individual farms is celebrated through the Lapwing Champion Competition sponsored by Jordans Cereals.