Lapwings

Local farmer David Thomas has noticed an increase in hedgehogs and nesting birds on his farm. See the video of lapwings hatched out over this Summer. 

Lapwings, Skylarks, And Hedgehogs Thrive Again

Working and  living in the countryside in all weathers, and all seasons, year in and  out, we tend to notice things that happen in nature; whether it’s weather patterns, plants, or animals.
Over the last three years I have noticed, year on year, there have been more hedgehogs about, a lot more skylarks, and a few more yellow hammers around.
But what is a real treat is the return of the peewit (lapwing).
This year we had five pairs nesting on our farm. And  successfully too, as you can see from the video attached.
The reason for this increase in wildlife is that over the last three years, in accordance with Government guidelines, we have been involved with a badger cull, to rid us of the terrible disease of TB in cattle.
The control of the wildlife has been very successful and  has significantly reduced numbers of cattle testing positive for TB, which is great for our livestock farmers. But also, for our wildlife diversity.
The badger population has spiralled out of control for years, devastated many farming families and the wildlife population as well. Badgers will eat anything and so have a food source all year round. Among the badgers’ favourite nibbles are hedgehogs, ground nesting birds, and  their eggs, bumble bees, especially the honeybee.
So with the reduced number of badgers in the area, other wildlife has made a remarkable recovery in numbers over the past few years, and  that is what I have seen myself.
Going back to the peewits, over the Summer, the ten  original ones, that arrived in the Spring, soon became fifteen, then twenty and  finally, before they left in late Summer, around thirty. 
It was fascinating to watch them, as they protected their young, and  how they moved around the farm, then to the neighbours, and  back to our farm again.
So whilst the badger cull is controversial, and  not everyone will agree with me, I have seen some very positive outcomes with regards to the wildlife on my farm added to  the relief of knowing that TB is finally being controlled.

David Thomas