Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agri-environment Scheme Management Plan
8.3 Lapwing breeding sites
Lapwing (or peewit) as they are more commonly known in Northern
Ireland, have declined by two-thirds in the last twenty years, with best
estimates suggesting less than 2,000 pairs. Lapwing nest in open fields
where the sward height is low in the spring, and where there is damp
ground for adults and chicks to feed. Lapwing will also nest in spring-sown
cereals, especially if there is damp, grazing land nearby for feeding.
Eligible sites
Enclosed improved or unimproved fields with at least one breeding pair of
lapwing are eligible. Sites with nesting lapwing and other breeding waders
(curlew, snipe and redshank) will be classed as breeding wader sites.
Management of sites
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Graze during the winter or early spring to produce a short sward 3cm
(1 inch) by mid March.
AND
From 1 April to 15 June stocking density must not exceed 0.75 LU/ha
(e.g. 3 cows/4 ha or 5 ewes/ha) to produce a sward height of between 3
and 12 cm (1 to 5 inches).
Overgrazing and/or poaching are not permitted at any time.
Field operations are not permitted between 1 April and 30 June.
Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser or lime between 1
February and 30 June (Where using farmyard manure, do not apply
between 1 April and 30 June).
Cattle must not be released directly onto lapwing fields after being overwintered indoors, as they are excitable and likely to trample nests. They
should be outside for at least one week before being put onto lapwing
fields.
Water levels in sheughs and drains should be maintained as close as
possible to bank height during the period 1 March to 30 June to create
damp ground if this is within the farmer’s control.
Structures for raising water levels and creation of scrapes can be
funded under Vision E-Plan
Rush and scrub control
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Rush control - must be carried out where rushes cover more than a
third of the area. Rushes must be controlled by cutting between 15
July and 15 March retaining 10% uncut. Herbicide control is not
permitted. Cut rushes ideally should be removed by baling, or raking
and burning. Where this is not possible graze with cattle immediately
after cutting to help break up the mat of cut rush. The cost of rush
control is included in your annual payment, and failure to carry out
rush control will be considered a breach of your agreement.
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Scrub control - must be undertaken where considered necessary by
the Department. This may be funded by a Specific Conservation
Measures payment.
The following activities are NOT permitted on lapwing
breeding sites:
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Cultivation, ploughing and reseeding.
Application of pesticides and diluted sheep dip. Herbicides may only be
applied to control noxious weeds such as thistles and ragwort by the
use of a weed wiper or spot spray and requires the written permission
of DARD.
Installation of new drainage systems. Maintenance of exiting drainage
systems requires the written permission of DARD.
Lapwing sites cannot be cut for silage unless fields are closed up after
30 June.
Supplementary feeding sites require the written permission of DARD
and location marked on scheme management map.
New tree or hedge planting or fencing are only permitted with the
written permission of DARD.
Management plans are provided for
participants in the
Environmentally Sensitive Areas and
Countryside Management Schemes