NATURE guardians aim to protect and educate.

Following a spate of incidents involving senseless cruelty, concerned locals are leading a campaign to halt needless wildlife slaughter.

Uncaring killers have even breached the sanctuary of Leigh Cemetery to pursue their blood lust.

Journal readers were shocked by the recent slaughter of two swans shot on the Lucky Hollow pond off Orchard Lane in Leigh.

And they were appalled by news of a Sunday morning gunman slaying songbirds in Leigh Cemetery.

Local councillor John Lea was saddened when the incident was reported to him shortly after it happened.

Cllr Lea told The Journal: "Why would anyone want to do this and in a cemetery of all places?"

And cemeteries boss Tony Bassett told The Journal of a recent incident logged with the local authority where three gunmen with dogs were seen scaling the cemetery's northern boundary to embark on a hunting expedition in the burial ground.

Now guardians of the wild are calling for help from a caring community.

And leading the battle against cruelty is Leigh-based Police Constable Mark Ryding, the borough's Wildlife Liaison Officer.

Pc Ryding this week revealed that the investigation in to the particularly nasty Lucky Hollow swans shooting is still ongoing and useful information has been passed to Police.

Highlighting an increase in reported incidents of wildlife cruelty PC Ryding said his remit could include anything from investigating bird nesting, bird shooting, poaching or badger digging.

Animal lover Pc Ryding said he wasn't on a crusade against legitimate country sports followers, but was out to combat those who break the law.

And he highlighted hefty fines which could be imposed on anyone who harms certain species.

He said: "To kill something which comes under the Wildlife Act Schedule 1 -- such as owls and some swans -- carries a fine of up to £5,000 per bird. Taking eggs carries a fine of up to £1,000 per egg.

"Blackbirds are protected at all times.

"Wildlife has a hard enough time as it is. What I would like is for people to lend a hand by calling me if they have incidents to report.

"Education is the best way of handling this situation. Youngsters should be taught to respect nature from an early age and parents should instill a code of responsibility in to teenagers with airguns.

"I am prepared to visit schools to advise on wildlife matters."

Currently PC Ryding is involved in a Farm Watch scheme which aims to crack down on countryside problems.