THE Forest of Bowland's rare and exciting birdlife will be celebrated in a new RSPB project.

And the local community is being invited to get involved so the unique landscape can be protected for future generations.

Lucy Barron, RSPB Community Education Officer said: "The project aims to involve as many people as possible.

We are working with local schools and community groups as well as advising landowners on the best ways to manage their land for birds.

There is a great team of volunteers organising projects in schools and carrying out important survey work."

The scheme will not only protect the bird life but will also educate children and adults about the importance of preventing certain species of birds from becoming extinct.

The farmlands and boggy areas of Bowland attract thousands of lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks.

Every year Bowland supports 50-100% of the English breeding population of hen harriers.

One of the most distinctive British thrushes, the ring ouzel, also thrives there.