THE most endangered bird of prey in northern England appears to be making a comeback after being driven to the brink of disaster.

Last year was the first time the hen harrier had failed to nest at all in the North-East and North Yorkshire since they re-colonised the region's uplands in 1954.

Some gamekeepers have been accused by naturalists of persecuting the birds because they eat red grouse, although official landowning and gamekeeping organisations condemn any members who breaks the law by harming the harriers.

Yesterday, English Nature, the Government's conservation advisor, launched its rescue project for the northern uplands and announced that it was encouraged by the number of birds seen this spring.

It said that 35 hen harriers had been reported across the moors of northern England over the past two weeks.

The Northern Echo understands that a pair has created a nest in North Yorkshire, where it is being closely monitored by ornithologists.

Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of English Nature, said: "This is very encouraging news as we launch our hen harrier project and we hope that these birds will be able to successfully breed and produce chicks in safety.

"The hen harrier is one of England's most spectacular birds of prey and nothing can be more memorable than seeing males 'sky dancing' in front of prospective mates in their annual courtship displays."

The project aims to:

* Monitor the remaining hen harrier population in England;

* Identify factors restricting numbers;

* Take measures to increase the hen harrier population in England

English Nature wants to hear from anyone who has seen hen harriers in England this spring and summer. Please call Richard Saunders, Hen Harrier Project Officer, English Nature Cumbria Team on (01539) 792800