FARMERS concerned for the environment are invited to join a series of walks highlighting landscape and wildlife preservation projects.

The walks have been organised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra) Rural Development Service North-East.

They are all in the Pennine Dales Environmentally Sensitive Area, where farmers are enhancing their landscape by planting trees and meadows and renovating old stone buildings.

The North Pennines is home to rare bird and animals, and the walks aim to show how the scheme can protect their habitats.

There will also be information on farm diversification and a stewardship scheme.

The first walk takes place today, at Aimshaugh, near Alston, in Cumbria. It will be followed by visits to Low Way, at Holwick, in Teesdale, tomorrow, and to Glenwhelt, Westgate, on Thursday.

For further information telephone on 0191-229 5500.