Press Releases - September / October 2008
Item 2

No. 2008/09/30
September 2008

Lapwings can't afford to lose the plot!

Amber listed as a bird of conservation concern; the Lapwing has shown significant declines in recent years, along with other farmland birds. Results from a recent survey, carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology, show a ray of hope for this one of our most threatened farmland birds.

As part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Government set the target of reversing the declines in farmland birds in England by 2020. To achieve this, Agri-environment schemes (AES) have been put in place. To test the effectiveness of fallow plots, one of the options of these schemes, the BTO launched the Lapwing in Plots Survey (LiPS).

Lapwings are known to use fallow plots in fields when they are available, as the pilot study for the AES showed that such fallow plots proved successful for Lapwings in the West Midlands in the 90’s. The results from a total of 212 plots surveyed by BTO volunteers, and published in the latest BTO News, showed that fallow plots are important for breeding Lapwings, but more importantly, the location of those plots within the farmscape influenced the likelihood of Lapwings using them.

A plot with an open aspect, away from woods, hedgerows and trees is more likely to be used by Lapwings, particularly when the management of those plots promotes plenty of bare ground. During the survey visits Lapwings were seen on 39% of plots with breeding suspected on 25% of them. By considering the location of new plots within fields the number of Lapwings using them could be increased, proving better value for the AES and for the birds.

Dan Chamberlain, Research Ecologist at the BTO said, “This study has highlighted the importance of monitoring the success of the AES options. By creating the right kind of plot in the best possible position within the field, the Lapwing occupancy rate could be increased significantly, helping to reverse the declining numbers of this iconic farmland bird.”

Other UK priority species that were recorded on the plots were the red listed Skylark and Grey Partridge, and the amber listed Yellowhammer and Linnet.

Notes for Editors

1. Lapwing plots are currently provided through the Higher Level Scheme (HLS) component of the Environmental stewardship. Under HLS, the ‘fallow plots for ground nesting birds’ option (HF13) and ‘fallow plots for ground nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside’ option (HF17) allow for the creation of uncropped plots of at least 2 ha in size within arable fields by cultivating the plot in the spring to produce a rough fallow that is retained without the use of pesticides or fertilisers for an agreed period.

2. The Lapwings in Plots Survey was funded by Natural England and carried out by the BTO.

3. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Over thirty thousand birdwatchers contribute to the BTO’s surveys. They collect information that forms the basis of conservation action in the UK. The BTO maintains a staff of 80 at its offices in Norfolk and Stirling, who analyse and publicise the results of project work. The BTO’s investigations are funded by government, industry and conservation organisations. www.bto.org

4. BTO News is the Trust's magazine, which keeps all members informed about the latest results from surveys and topical issues concerning birds and the environment. It is published six times a year (at two monthly intervals) and is posted to all members of the Trust free of charge.

5. Images of Lapwings and farmland birds are freely available for use in association with this press release. Please contact images@bto.org to request an electronic version. Please quote reference number 2008/09/30

6. The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews.

For further information please contact:

Paul Stancliffe on 01842 750050 or e-mail: press@bto.org (during office hours)

Dan Chamberlain on 01842 750050 (during office hours)