Lapwings thrive on fallow plots

29/09/2008 17:48:14

September 2008. 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, 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.

Location of plots is important
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 birds using the plots
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.