14 February 2008

Search for lapwing helpers in the Fens

The RSPB is looking for volunteers keen to help lapwings nesting on farms in the Fens this spring.
Volunteers will work in teams to find lapwing nests, and then mark them with white canes so tractor drivers can avoid crushing them. 

Staff and volunteers at the RSPB’s Ouse Washes nature reserve in Cambridgeshire monitored seven farms adjacent to the reserve in spring 2007. This resulted in finding two main breeding sites, which supported 22 pairs of lapwings.

The RSPB would now like to expand this project to cover a greater area of farmland adjacent to the Ouse Washes.

Lapwings are ground nesting birds and typically choose open land where there is sparse, short vegetation.  They often attempt to breed in potato fields, where their eggs are easily destroyed by farm machinery.

Robert Martyr was one of the volunteers last spring. “I thoroughly enjoyed watching the lapwings and following them through the breeding season. It was great to know that they had somewhere safe to nest when the washes were underwater,” he said.
With the current unpredictable weather patterns, it is unknown whether the washes will flood this spring. If the washes do flood, the surrounding arable land will become an important area for the lapwings to move onto.

Volunteers need to be able to commit to a minimum of 3-4 hours a week from late March to mid-July. They may have to walk moderate distances and use their own transport. (A small contribution to travel costs will be available.)

If you are interested and would like further information please contact Alex Thomas, assistant warden, 01354 680212 or e-mail alex.thomas@rspb.org.uk