WILDLIFE experts are hoping East Lancashire can help to boost the UK’s wild grey partridge population.

With the numbers of the bird taking a tumble over the last 40 years, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust is appealing for farmers, landowners and members of the public to take part in their latest count to see how the species is getting on.

The grassland bird, which prefers thick grass for nesting and builds its home on the ground, has suffered in recent years due to an increase in intensive farming in the area.

Morag Walker, from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, said it was unknown how many grey partridge were still in East Lancashire but that it was important people let them know if they spotted one.

She said: “Members of the public can get involved too - the more people that are aware of this wonderful farming bird, the better.

“It would be good if people can let us know where the birds are and a postcode then we can identify them.

“They are very much a barrometer species so if partridge are doing well, then a lot of other wildlife will be doing well too.”

Morag said that other species, like the sky lark, also enjoyed the same conditions as partridge, so if they could improve conditions for them, it would benefit other animals too.

She said: “We all want a flourishing wildlife population - partridge are an attractive species and it is sad how in the last 40 years their population has declined so much.”

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, together with Natural England, is also holding a conference in Cumbria to encourage partridge conservation.

For further information on the event, which takes place on May 23, or for free information on grey partridge conservation, contact Lynda Ferguson of the Trust’s Advisory Service on 01425 651013 or email lferguson@gwct.org.uk