WILDLIFE is suffering in one of the toughest dry spells in the North West for more than 80 years, say conservationists.

RSPB wetland reserves near the River Dee are suffering from parched conditions and there are warnings the wildlife they support could suffer unless substantial rain comes soon.

As well as thousands of wading birds, ducks and geese, these sites are home to a wide range of amphibians, fish and insects.

During low tides, birds stay far out on the estuary, so the best time to visit is during high tide.

That is when you could get great, close-up views of birds of prey hunting, or wading birds, depending on the season.

Summer plays host to visitors from warmer parts, including swallows, swifts and housemartins feasting upon insect after insect.

This is also the time when little egrets reach their highest numbers.

A visit to nearby Neston reedbed is always worth a detour in the summer months.

Also in the North West, the reservoir at the new RSPB/United Utilities site at Dove Stone, near Manchester, is just two-thirds full and its now tinder- dry bog land offers little in the way of food for young wading birds and grouse.

But a recently launched project by United Utilities, supported by the RSPB, offers hope for a future more resistant to drought.

The sustainable catchment management programme will see the water company, farmers and conservationists working together to restore wetlands and re-wet peat bogs, plant new woodlands and restrict grazing in sensitive areas.

RSPB water policy officer Phil Burston said: “Wildlife relies on water just as we do, from brown trout and dragonflies to wetland birds such as snipe and lapwing.

“Droughts like this one can have a real impact, but this exciting project should make our precious uplands more resistant to the impacts of drought through reversing centuries of destructive drainage.

“Keeping our fells wet will protect the quality of our drinking water, stop the huge loss of peat, and be a great boost to birds and other wildlife.”