Numbers of the Lapwing are declining

Despite the RSPB nature reserve in Conwy having a peaceful reed bed and tranquil meadows, the species of bird prefers to breed in the rutted muddy grounds of a building site

Wardens now hope that by digging up a section of the site, the bird will set up home there.

The Lapwing, also known as the peewit because of its song, has been declining in numbers across the UK for the last 25 years.

"Its an ideal place for birds to live," said warden Alan Davies.

It likes disturbed ground and bear earth and areas that have been churned up Alan Davies, warden

"But unfortunately the Lapwing doesn't like this special nature reserve we have created and the numbers we have may decline if we don't do something about it.

"The Lapwing is a very, very fussy bird and it likes a very specific habitat.

"That habitat to your eyes and mine probably represents a building site.

"It likes disturbed ground and bear earth and areas that have been churned up and made to look like an industrial area rather than a nature reserve," he said.

Protected species

The numbers of Lapwing, a protected species, in the UK have been declining since the 19th century when there was large scale collection of its eggs for food.

Changes in farming methods have also led to a fall in numbers.

"The Lapwing likes to have an area where they can see over a large area so they can see predators approaching," said Mr Davies.

He said that creating the area which attract the Lapwing would be an on-going habitat management project.

"If we don't do this the reeds invade the area and it is lost for the Lapwings is it is a constant maintenance of habitat," he said.

Visitors to the nature reserve have been shocked at the work going on at the site.

"We do have quite a bit of a reaction from some of our visitors who throw their arms into the air in dismay and ask why on earth is this going on and why is the habitat being destroyed.

"But we quickly explain to people that if we don't do this, the Lapwing would disappear from this area and no one wants to lose such a wonderful bird as the Lapwing," he added.