LANDOWNERS are being asked to help save a bird in danger of extinction.

The wild grey partridge is one of Britain's true native species, having been recorded as far back as the Iron Age.

Last year, the Game Conservancy Trust was appointed by the Government to lead a rescue campaign after numbers fell by 83 per cent in 25 years.

Now the trust is asking landowners, farmers and individuals to take part in its annual count to provide an accurate picture of numbers and geographical locations for the bird.

The trust also hopes to set up demonstration farms, including some in the North-East and North Yorkshire, to show how the birds can be saved. Scientists are already researching possible reasons for the decline at a test farm in Hertfordshire. Factors could include changes in farming methods, lack of food for the chicks, predation and poor weather.

Dr Nick Sotherton, director of research with the trust, said: "More effort is still needed. Breeding success last year was only reasonable and many more farmers and landowners are needed in their active management to prevent a further decline.

"We are pulling out all the stops and putting all our scientific knowledge into saving the partridge," he said.

For information on how to help, contact Edward Darling, The Game Conservancy Trust, tel: (01763) 242138.