Arkengarthdale and Swaledale are particular hotspots and farmers there are working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and Natural England to improve habitats for waders.

A recent workshop for farmers was well-received and now others in the Yorkshire Dales are being approached to support the project.

'positive feedback'

Helen Keep, from the YDNPA's Conservation and Policy department, said: "We had a very positive feedback from the day and a lot of farmers said they would actively take up the work, especially the rush mowing, which opens the land up for grazing and really benefits the habitat of breeding lapwings.

"We are now planning another similar event this year and we would like to hear from any farmers in the south of the National Park who are already in an agri-environment scheme and feel their farms are a good example of this type of management and could be used as a demonstration farm."

'last refuge'

Andrew Colley, the YDNPA's Member Champion for Conservation of the Natural Environment, said: "We have nationally-important populations of wading birds spread across large areas of the National Park.

"The uplands are becoming the last refuge for these wonderful birds so it is vitally important that we help our farmers to provide the habitats that will ensure they survive and flourish."