VOLUNTEERS are being asked to carry out bird counts on farmland in spring and autumn in a bid to help restore the wild grey partridge, one of the most threatened birds.

The Game Conservancy Trust manages the Grey Partridge Count Scheme, one of the most successful farmer-led bird monitoring schemes in Europe. But in order to save this rapidly declining gamebird, the Trust is eager to encourage more people to count grey partridges.

The wild grey partridge has suffered a massive population decline of more than 85 per cent over the past three decades. Research by the trust has revealed that a variety of causes have gradually eroded the partridge population, including lack of food, reduction in habitat, predators and weather.

"Establishing a team of bird-watchers to count partridges will make our existing count scheme even more successful and will add to our efforts to save this iconic bird species," said Dr Nick Sotherton, director of research with the trust.

He stressed: "This information is vital. It helps us to form a national picture of the partridge population and this enables us to direct advice and support to areas where the population is still continuing to decline or has disappeared completely."

This trust's new initiative forms part of a range of measures aimed at changing the fortunes of the wild grey partridge. People interested in taking part in the count scheme should contact the trust, which will match volunteers with farmers or landowners who wish to have help with counting.

For further information on the count scheme or for a grey partridge conservation guide contact Neville Kingdon, The Game Conservancy Trust, on 01425 651066, or email nkingdon@gct.org.uk.