A PIONEERING wildlife scheme is trying to lure rare species of birds back to the Purbeck countryside.

It is hoped lapwings, redshanks and snipes may be among those ready to return after the work done to improve wet grassland habitats.

As part of the Purbeck Keystone Project, sluices have been installed at three farms in the Frome Valley to help control water levels.

By gaining control over the wetness of fields, the aim is to create conditions that will encourage over-wintering wading birds and waterfowl to return as breeding birds.

Richard Caldow, biodiversity officer for the Purbeck Keystone Project, said: "Over recent decades there has been a significant decline in the number of breeding waders on lowland wet grassland in many parts of the UK.

"The water-level management schemes we have helped to implement on local farms will hopefully create the right conditions for these wetland birds and will help them to recover from the very low numbers that we see in Purbeck today."

At a cost of around £60,000, sluices have been built at Priory Farm, East Holme, and Manor Farm and Bindon Farm, Wool.

Spring and early summer are the times particularly targeted to try and increase water levels on the grassland and attract the birds.

Wet grassland was one of the habitats identified in the Purbeck Biodiversity Action Plan as being in decline yet crucial for key species.

A target was set back in 1998 to increase wildlife interest by a quarter on the grassland by 2005.

The £2m Keystone Project was set up to support Purbeck's priceless natural landscapes and is supported by, among others, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Purbeck District Council.

They are now looking for volunteers to help monitor water levels and bird numbers in the coming months.

Anyone interested can contact the project on 01929 557336.