TURTLE doves in the National Park have remained relatively consistent in the

last four years, according to a recent survey.

Considered to be the UK’s fastest declining bird, volunteers at the North York Moors National Park Authority have been carrying out regular surveys to monitor the numbers of turtle doves.

The North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project, a scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Park Authority and other partners, has involved working with farmers and landowners to establish habitats.

“The first signs are very good, and we have had presence recorded in over 60 per cent of visits,” said Richard Baines, ecologist for the project.

“This is great news as the species is still declining fast across Europe and is consequently listed by Birdlife International as vulnerable, having suffered a massive decline across its breeding range.”

As well as the formal studies, there has been an increase of sightings from members of the public and more people than last year have heard a turtle dove singing in their garden within the National Park.

For more information, visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/turtledoves