WHERE the curlew goes the lapwing follows.

That seems to be the story at Turnastone Court Farm in the Golden Valley, where both have settled down to breed.

Last year, it was the turn of the curlew to settle there and hatch its young.

This spring, lapwings took up residence and three chicks have now been fledged.

Farmers Robert and Chrissy Fraser have deliberately created a rich habitat for curlew and lapwing on land at the farm, owned by the Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT), and say they will do everything possible to encourage them to stay.

The lapwing’s population has declined, with large winter flocks a thing of the past.

The trust blames farming changes and, most of all, the early cutting of grass for silage destroying lapwings’ eggs and chicks.