By Ross Brewster

Last updated 05:43, Friday, 03 October 2008

A LAKE District initiative aims to boost the numbers and restore habitats of wading birds, especially curlews and lapwings.

Decline: Numbers of waders like the curlew have been falling

Working in partnership, the Lake District National Park, the RSPB and Natural England have launched the Lake District Breeding Wader Project and have appointed an adviser to work directly with farmers and landowners.

Catriona Glendinning will be concentrating on key areas in Cumbria including Bassenthwaite, the Duddon Valley, Wet Sleddale, Crook and Ings.

Catriona said: “I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to take this project forward. I live at Haweswater, near Shap, and have seen first-hand how breeding wader populations have been changing.

“I will be encouraging farmers and landowners to restore favourable conditions for curlews and lapwings on their land.

“There will be land management advice and help with farm environmental grants. We want to be able to make a real difference to the number of the national park’s breeding wading birds.”

Curlews are instantly recognisable with their long down-curved bills and long legs, while lapwings have a splendid crest and distinctive flight. Both have suffered a significant drop in numbers in recent years.

Lake District National Park ecologist Phil Taylor welcomed the move to secure their future.

He said: “Through this project, curlews and lapwings – with their striking aerial ‘kamikaze’ springtime displays – will be protected and encouraged to thrive.”

Anyone managing land in the national park who would like to find out more can ring Catriona on 07734985957, or email catriona.glendinning@rspb.org.uk