Essex farmers are being urged by the RSPB to try to save an endangered farmland bird.

Operation Lapwing is aiming to try and recover the number of lapwings across the county. Although the lapwing is still common as a wintering bird, the number of breeding pairs has decreased by half in the last 11 years.

RSPB conservation officer, Rob Lucking said: "Lapwings are a popular sight in the countryside and we hope farmers will adopt our simple plan to help them breed successfully."

To request an Operation Lapwing information pack, farmers are welcome to ring the RSPB regional office on 01603 661662 or the RSPB 24-hour hotline number 01603 697527 and leave their name and address. The pack includes information on how to encourage lapwings to nest next spring.

Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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