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Lapwing
(Vanellus vanellus)
Habitat
Saltmarsh
Grazing Marsh
Semi-improved grassland
Lapwing on the Greatham site
The Greatham site has large areas of habitat for Lapwing. Much of the
site is grazing marsh which is very suitable. Lapwing breed on site
and are common residents. Pools on site are used as nursery areas
away from taller vegetation. Lapwing prefer the shorter vegetation
on site during breeding so they can detect predators early and respond
by mobbing. Large numbers of Lapwing can sometimes be seen on site
and in the local area.
Status in UK and Europe
There has been a substantial decline since 1962 but Lapwing are still
widely distributed. The UK population is estimated at 205,000-260,000
pairs.
Local Status
Northern England is now one of the more important areas. Lapwings are
common breeders and abundant visitors. Declining, breeding population
is now about 800-1,000 pairs.
Objectives for Lapwing on the Greatham Site
- Maintain the current level of breeding Lapwing on site.
- Manage
Lapwing habitat appropriately, to possibly increase number of breeding
Lapwing on site.
Management Plan for Lapwing on the Greatham Site
- Continue monitoring of Lapwing on site, to assess annual numbers
and breeding success.
- Actively manage
Lapwing habitat on site in a similar way to the Redshank management.
Lapwing also prefer grass with a sward height
up to 15cm and tussocks. The small amount of semi-improved grassland
on site is important for Lapwing, these areas should be managed
so that they do not become overgrown.
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