GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong took a walk on the wild side of her North- East constituency to meet workers aiming to protect a feature of the British landscape.

The North-West Durham MP visited remote moorlands in Upper Weardale to learn about the global importance of protecting heather-covered moors.

She met members of the Countryside Alliance and Weardale Estates as part of an initiative to promote an important feature of the North Pennines.

Ms Armstrong met head- keeper Harry Beadle, who explained the importance of heather burning to provide food for sheep and grouse and nesting habitat for endangered birds.

Tim Baynes, the Countryside Alliance's moorland policy and information officer, said: "These beautiful areas of heather moorland are managed for grouse shooting, nature conservation and farming, so it is vital that all these different uses can work together."

He also spoke to Ms Armstrong about the impact more access for walkers, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and a ban on hunting could have on moorland conservation.

He said: "The support of politicians is crucial to ensure that there is a coherent moorland policy to maintain the right balance of wildlife, landscape, recreation and the rural economy."

Ms Armstrong said: "Weardale is one of the nation's most beautiful areas, the spectacular scenery provided by the moors offers a unique place for local people and visitors to enjoy.

"There are challenges ahead with reform of CAP and the Right to Roam and we all have a role to play if we are to conserve the rich landscape of the moors."