Spring in the British countryside once echoed with the distinctive, trilling call of the northern lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus), a striking black-and-white bird with a shimmering green back and a wispy crest. Also known as the peewit – after its haunting call – lapwings were once a common sight, but today, their numbers are in serious decline. Lapwings are an unmistakable part of the UK’s natural heritage. Their dramatic, tumbling flight displays in early spring are a spectacle, as males perform acrobatic dives to impress potential mates. But while they may be bold in the air, they are incredibly vulnerable on the ground.
As ground-nesting birds, lapwings lay their well-camouflaged eggs in simple scrapes in mud or sand, on short grassland and arable land. This makes them highly susceptible to disturbance from people, livestock, and, crucially, off-lead dogs. A single frightened bird taking flight may not seem particularly noticeable, but if lapwings are repeatedly disturbed, they abandon their nests, leaving eggs or chicks exposed to predators and the elements.
Habitat loss has already pushed lapwing numbers into steep decline. Since 1967, the UK population has decreased by 55 per cent, earning them Red List status as a species of conservation concern. Loss of mixed farming, spring coppicing, and the intensification of grassland management have all contributed to their struggles.
Many nature reserves managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust provide nesting areas for various species of ground-nesting birds, including Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, near Southampton, which is home to breeding lapwings.
As a nation of dog lovers, we all want to enjoy the great outdoors with our furry companions. But we must also remember that we share these spaces with wildlife that depends on them for survival.
One of the biggest challenges is how difficult these nests can be to spot, even for trained eyes, in open locations where you would expect to see them. Their natural camouflage makes them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidental disturbance.
By keeping dogs close by and under control during the ground-nesting bird season, which lasts from now until late summer, we can help protect vulnerable birds and other species. Small changes in our behaviour can make a big difference, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in our beautiful landscapes.
For more information on lapwings and how to help protect ground-nesting birds, visit hiwwt.org.uk/news/paws-thought-dog-owners-urged-play-their-part-protecting-wildlife
Photo: Lapwing, Credit Mark Hamblin 2020VISION
