AN INITIATIVE to attract the rare black grouse back in to Coverdale will be launched next week.

An illustrated talk on black grouse conservation will be given at the Thwaite Arms, Horsehouse in Coverdale, on Tuesday at 7pm.

"Black grouse are a key species of conservation concern in the Yorkshire Dales," said Phil Lyth, farm conservation adviser with the North Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. "Originally widespread in the UK in the early 1900s, they have undergone a marked reduction in numbers in recent years.

"The North Pennines is the home of the bulk of the remaining English population, and they are still occasionally seen in Coverdale."

The aim of the evening is to raise awareness of the opportunities for conserving the few existing birds in Coverdale, and attracting black grouse back into the area using existing grant schemes and incentives, and will include presentations on work which is already under way.

Martin Vallance, owner of Arkleside grouse moors in Coverdale and a committee member of The Moorland Association, said people who managed or owned heather moorland primarily managed for grouse were doing an excellent job in encouraging the black grouse to thrive in the remaining English strongholds such as Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

"We hope to gain the commitment from our neighbours in Coverdale to invest in the mosaic of habitats these magnificent birds require," he said. "Good keepering and habitat improvements, including tree planting, will help to secure the future of what are one of the most southerly known wild black grouse in Britain."

Speakers will include Phil Warren, Black Grouse Recovery Project officer; Claire Harris, ESA project Officer; Phil Lyth, FWAG adviser; and Martin Vallance and James Mawle, local farmers and landowners.