The effect of chisel ploughing to create nesting habitat for breeding lapwings Vanellus vanellus at Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve, Powys, Wales

Published source details Squires R. & Allcorn R.I. (2006) The effect of chisel ploughing to create nesting habitat for breeding lapwings Vanellus vanellus at Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve, Powys, Wales. Conservation Evidence, 3, 77-78.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Create scrapes and pools in wetlands and wet grasslands Action Link
	Restore or create traditional water meadows Action Link

Create scrapes and pools in wetlands and wet grasslands

A before-and-after study on 160 ha of improved grassland at Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve, Powys, Wales (Squires & Allcorn 2006), found that populations of northern lapwings Vanellus vanellus and common redshank Tringa totanus increased following a series of interventions including chisel ploughing, used on a two year rotation (approximately 8 ha in February 2002 and 10 ha areas thereafter) to break up the surface to create small hummocks and divots. This study is discussed in detail in ‘Restore or create traditional water meadows’.
Restore or create traditional water meadows

A before-and-after study on 160 ha of improved grassland at Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Powys, Wales (Squires & Allcorn 2006), found that, after a series of management interventions, the population of northern lapwings increased from 10 to 81 pairs and redshank increased from 11 to 29 pairs between 2000 and 2005. Management included chisel ploughing, used on a 2-year rotation (approximately 8 ha in February 2002 and 10 ha areas thereafter) to break up the surface to create small hummocks and divots (see ‘Create scrapes and pools in wetlands and wet grasslands’). The water level was also increased and a seasonal sheep and cattle grazing regime introduced.