THE first definitive survey of the region's best wildlife sites has shown that most need urgent attention.

The six-year study published today by English Nature revealed that two thirds of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the North-East are in poor condition.

In North Yorkshire, just over half need to be improved.

Government critics said last night that environmental targets would be missed unless more was done to clean up special nature sites.

Jeff Lunn, English Nature area manager, acknowledged that the findings highlighted issues that needed addressing, but action was under way.

He said: "One excellent example is on the North York Moors, where English Nature and the Hawnby Estate are working together to ensure the sustainable management of extensive areas of heather-covered moors."

Mr Lunn said an agreement had been signed to restore a significant area of blanket bog on the North York Moors.

He said: "The agreement is also helping to retain key nesting areas for merlin, one of our smallest birds of prey."

At Teesmouth, English Nature is working with partners to safeguard internationally important mudflats, which are critical for the survival of thousands of migratory birds.

Mike Leakey, English Nature's local conservation officer, said: "The Tees Estuary supports more than 20,000 birds each year including knot, redshank, shelduck, sanderling and sandwich terns. It also supports a breeding colony of harbour seals.

"We work with the many industries, regulators and recreational users of the estuary to maintain a balance between their needs and the needs of this very special wildlife."

The Government Office for the North East and English Nature have pledged to work together to safeguard sites.

Jonathan Blackie, regional director of the Government Office for the North-East, said: "As our natural environment is central to the region's character, and its economic and social well-being, these figures demonstrate the need to act to improve the condition of our wildlife sites, and we are determined to do so."

Liberal-Democrat environment spokesman Norman Baker said: "This is yet another environmental target the Government will miss, along with cutting traffic, lowering emissions and reducing waste."