LAPWINGS

Within many people's memory, lapwings, with their distinctive silky crest and glossy dark green plumage, were one of the most familiar birds of farmland and other open country, their looping display flights and whoops of joy (or so it seemed) a sure sign of spring.

While the birds are still seen in significant numbers during winter, when their numbers are boosted by flocks from the continent, the numbers staying to nest and raise young have plummeted dangerously over the last 20 years and extinction as a breeding bird in Shropshire is a very real possibility.

Since 2002 Shropshire Wildlife Trust has been working with farmers first in the Severn Vyrnwy area and now more broadly across the county, to try and secure a future for the remnant breeding populaton.

This work has been supported substantially by donations from members and other supporters.

To read our action plan to save lapwings in Shropshire download this pdf.

A case study for lapwing success can be read here.