One of Europe's rarest birds has successfully bred in the region for the first time in decades - sparking a scramble to keep them safe.

The distinctive mating call of the corncrake was heard by a farmer in the Yorkshire Dales earlier in the summer.

And chicks were finally spotted in August _ after a team from the Department for the Environment, Foods and Rural Affairs developed a management plan to allow the farmer to continue working his land while protecting the birds at the same time.

Corncrake populations have declined dramatically over the last 100 years and the bird is listed as a globally threatened species. Although concerted action in the 1990s halted the decline, the UK's small population is confined to the north and north-west of Scotland.

The secretive bird favours traditionally farmed grassland where late mowing and light grazing by livestock produce tall plant cover in which it can hide, lay its eggs and raise its chicks.

But changing farming practices, particularly mechanical mowing, have had a devastating effect on the species.

Yesterday Defra minister Elliot Morley praised the rapid action in the Dales.

"I'm impressed and heartened at the speed and effectiveness with which everyone involved in this extraordinary project acted," he said. "The result is a significant conservation achievement, and very exciting news for the English countryside."

Defra's senior adviser for the Dales, Martin O'Hanlon, said: "It is tantalising to think that one of Europe' s rarest birds may have returned to this part of the country.

"Once we knew the bird was there we took every precaution we could to ensure that if any eggs were laid, the chicks would have the best possible chance of survival.

"We agreed a new cutting date with the farmer, along with a bird- friendly mowing pattern which would allow any chicks to escape to the edge of the field. It is clear that the farmer's careful management has paid off."

National park species officer Ian Court added: "Thanks to the co-operation of the farmer, together we have been able to do all that we can for these birds. We will wait to see if they return next year."

All those involved are keeping the actual breeding location a closely guarded secret to protect it from egg thieves.