By DAVID COULTER david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk

Published at 13:26, Thursday, 30 October 2008

WILD birds have come flocking back to the county after the successful launch of a bird group three years ago.

Since the Northumberland Grey Partridge Group was set up by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, an increase in sightings of the threatened farmland bird has been reported.

The group plays a crucial role in the recovery of the grey partridges in the region after their population has suffered an 87 per cent decline in the last 40 years.

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is hoping to further reverse this downturn by securing the support of local farmers and landowners.

Northern England advisor for the trust, Hugo Straker, said: “The group has received huge support from farmers, landowners and gamekeepers who are keen to manage their land for the benefit of this iconic bird.

“Grey partridges, like many other farmland birds, have suffered decades of catastrophic decline and I look forward to welcoming new and existing members to our winter group meeting.”

To further encourage landowners to protect the grey partridge, a meeting for bird enthusiasts will be held at Kingston Park Stadium – home of the Newcastle Falcons rugby union team – on November 19.

An annual trophy, sponsored by Glenlivet, will be presented at the meeting to the farm or estate that has contributed most to partridge conservation in the county.

For further information, contact Lynda Ferguson on (01425) 651013 or email: lferguson@gct.org.uk.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk