20 years ago and there were none here, now I am surprised if i don't see them when I am in the fields.
I like them and love watching them, most I have ever counted is 12.
I think they might keep the rabbits down a little but other than that i honestly haven't seen much change due to them being here.
It is possible they have had some effect on lapwings but probably not as much as changes in farming practices, foxes and badgers. (in my part of the world)