POPULATIONS of butterflies and moths living in the Lake District have been given a helping hand through hard-hitting plans to tackle their decline.

Forestry Commission England and wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation have together announced plans to improve the plight of this charismatic part of Cumbria's fauna.

The two organisations have joined forces to launch a ten-year strategy, which aims to conserve and increase populations of butterflies and moths in the nation's woods.

For full story and picture, see this week's Westmorland Gazette.