The BTO is looking for birdwatchers to take part in
the 'Lapwing in Plots Survey' in Spring 2007.
What is involved? The survey has been designed to
be very quick and
Easy, and will involve two brief visits to an agri-environment
scheme ‘Lapwing Plot’. On each visit, observers will carry out a 20 minute
timed watch to record any Lapwings present, and then walk a single transect
across the plot to flush birds, record any evidence of breeding (e.g.
chicks, nests) and make a simple assessment of the % bare ground and height
of vegetation.
Why? The government has approved an agri-environment
scheme option for arable land designed specifically to help reverse the
long-term decline in Lapwing numbers. These 'Lapwing Plots' comprise of two
hectares of unsown land within cropped fields, designed to provide nesting
and feeding habitat. The BTO has an opportunity to monitor the effectiveness
of these plots in supporting breeding Lapwing populations under a project
funded by Natural England. The data gathered will be vital in informing
decisions about modifying options within Environmental Stewardship.
If you are interested in participating, please
contact the BTO
You can do this either by email to
