FARMERS and landowners in north Lancashire are being offered a free survey of the birds living on their land.

The scheme, which is being run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Farmer Alliance project, aims to give farmers a true picture of the wildlife living on their land.

The project involves trained volunteers working alongside farmers to undertake a survey of breeding birds on their farms.

Janet Fairclough, of the RSPB, said: "Sadly, many species of once-common farmland birds, such as skylarks, and lapwings, have shown alarming population declines over the past few decades.

"This project is just one way in which we can gather information which may help reverse the trends in the future."

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should call 01484-861148.