Published at 16:17, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

THE launch of the Cumbria and Lancashire Grey Partridge Group earlier this year has been good news for the birds in the region.

Found a friend: A grey partridge

To further boost the population of this seriously threatened farmland bird, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is holding a winter meeting for partridge enthusiasts on Thursday, November 20, at University of Cumbria’s Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith starting at 6.45pm.

This new group hopes to play a crucial role in the recovery of grey partridges in the region. Grey partridges have suffered a massive 87 per cent decline in the last 40 years and it is hoped that the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s national recovery programme, which relies on the support of local farmers and landowners, will help to reverse this decline.

Henrietta Appleton, northern advisory services coordinator with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, said: “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.

“This marks a positive step forward for partridge recovery in the region.”

Tickets to attend the meeting are £13 per person including a light supper. To book a place or for further information, contact Lynda Ferguson on 01425 651013.

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