News

News blog

02.08.2023

Current status of meadow birds in Germany

New horizon scanning survey published

The decline of wet grassland breeding bird populations across Europe, and Germany more specifically, continues unabated. In an effort to address this ongoing issue, we conducted a so-called horizon scanning survey to identify the current strengths, weaknesses, future opportunities, and threats for wet-grassland breeding bird conservation in Germany.

We conducted the survey in 2022 and targeted primarily the community of conservation practitioners. We structured the survey with nine simple questions to identify the profile of the participants and collect their expert opinions. 

Our results confirm established challenges for bird conservation and bring into the spotlight emerging opportunities and threats. In the study, we summarise our results and provide recommendations to decision-makers and stakeholders to work collectively towards the recovery of wet grassland breeding bird populations in Germany and preserve grassland biodiversity for future generations.

You can find the link to the full study below.


A Lapwing seen from the side. It stands on a small patch of grass surrounded by flat-flooded grassland.
Adult Northern Lapwing in a wet grassland in the project area V39 Dümmer. Photo: C. Marlow/NLWKN