RARE species of birds are flourishing above the Bowland Fells thanks to a five-year programme to maintain wildlife in the area.

Internationally important birds of prey have been supported by an enhancement scheme of the fells, carried out by the United Utilities Bowland estate management team, to maintain heather moorland and blanket bog habitats.

As a result, the Bowland Fells currently has 80 per cent of the main breeding population in England of the rare hen harrier, as well as being home to important numbers of breeding merlin and peregrines.

Other significant breeding species include short-eared owl, golden plover, lapwing, snipe, curlew, redshank, red grouse, whinchat, meadow pipit, skylark and ring ouzel.

United Utilities operates reservoirs in the area and the importance of the Bowland Fells for its bird life is reflected in its international designation as a special protection area for birds under the EC Conservation of Wild Birds Directive.

Jon Hickling, English Nature conservation officer, said: "The commitment of the Bowland estate team to the task in hand over the last five years has reversed past problems of overgrazing and peat erosion through a programme of integrated land management."

He added: "This has brought about considerable improvements to the wildlife habitats of the fells, in particular heather moorland and blanket bog habitats supporting internationally important birds of prey."

And the team has been recognised for its efforts, receiving a prestigious Site of Specific Interest award from English Nature.

The award was presented to Martin Bradbury, United Utilities' asset management director, by English Nature Council member Professor David Norman.

Ian Grindy, Bowland estate manager, said: "It is thanks to all the hard work and enthusiasm of the team which has led to us achieving as much as we have.

"A real difference has also been made by working closely with our tenants and English Nature to bring about the considerable improvements to the moorland."

Improvements have included a considerable reduction in stock grazing on the fells, fences erected to exclude sheep from bare peat areas, the re-seeding of bar peat with heather and hair grass, and a bracken control programme, which are all helping to regenerate the heather moorland.

Ian added: "It is particularly gratifying to receive this recognition in light of the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act, which looks at the issue of open access to the uplands and the related problems of managing access while protecting vegetation and wildlife.

"English Nature has been given tremendous extra powers to enforce good management and has held up our management of the Bowland Fells as an example of good practice for landowners throughout the country."

Bowland Fells is one of 70 Sites of Scientific Interest within Lancashire to have been designated by English Nature, which is the Government's statutory adviser on nature conservation in England.

It also promotes the conservation of the country's wildlife and natural features.