RESIDENTS of the North York Moors National Park are being asked to help in a survey in a bid to give wildlife a better deal.

The park's ecologist Rona Charles said lists of habitats and species are being drawn up with the help of English Nature, the Environment Agency, RSPB, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

"But this is only the first step, " she said.

"The views of those who live and work in the park are now needed to marry the national and regional priorities with local ones."

One of the first habitat action plans will be roadside verges, said Ms Charles.

"Surveys over the last three years have highlighted a decline in the quality of these valuable habitats. Wildflowers, previously prominent on our verges, have dwindled both in richness and abundance due to road improvements, agricultural chemicals, road salt heaps and changes in cutting regimes."

The verges are among the top priority habitats to be targeted, with broad-leaved woods, neutral grassland, marshes, fens, moorland, rivers and streams.

Priority species to be safeguarded will be arable flowers, moorland birds and water voles. Frogs, songbirds and hedges could also be included.

"Through parish councils and voluntary organisations we hope that the richest roadside verges will get special attention," said Ms Charles.