THE uncertain future of the most threatened birds in the northern uplands is coming under the spotlight - in the hope of reversing the downward trend in their numbers.

The plight of 27 different species that habitat the Yorkshire Dales has been highlighted in a new book designed to raise awareness of the severity of the problem.

They include birds closely associated with the Dales, such as the black grouse, ring ouzel and curlew, and others such as the song thrush, spotted flycatcher and linnet.

All have been chosen from a national list of endangered birds - and all the proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards species conservation.

Birds of Conservation Concern in the Yorkshire Dales National Park has been written by the park authority's own species officer, Ian Court, to set out the issues directly affecting the birds.

"By raising awareness of these issues through the book, we hope to help these threatened species flourish once again, eventually re-establishing themselves as a common sight throughout the UK," he said.

The book has been published jointly by the National Park, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and English Nature, and it highlights just how important the Dales are for many species of breeding birds.

It also describes the actions being taken by various conservation organisations, land owners and land managers to stop the decline in numbers.

Nick Mason, a conservation officer for the RSPB, said the idea was to provide decision-makers, enthusiasts, residents and visitors alike with clear information on what needed to be done.

Other threatened birds featured in the list include; wigeon, red kite, hen harrier, northern goshawk, common buzzard, merlin, falcon, grey partridge, European golden plover, northern lapwing, dunlin, common snipe, Eurasian tree sparrow, common redshank, barn owl, skylark, yellow wagtail, common raven, twite, common bullfinch and reed bunting.

The book is available from National Park centres at £3.50 or by mail order from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Unit 1B, Crag Hill Road, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Settle North Yorkshire, BD24 0HN including 50p postage and packaging.

Alternatively visit the authority's website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk