CUMBRIAN nature lovers have been asked to volunteer their services to help monitor the decline of an eye-catching feature of the Lake District fells.

Leading plant conservation organisation Plantlife International has organised a nationwide survey of endangered upland juniper plants, reports Ruth Lythe.

The charity is particularly keen to attract walkers, farmers, landowners and members of the public to take part in a survey of the plant this autumn. This aims to provide accurate information on the plant's present status in the UK, helping future conservation efforts.

With their distinctive black berries - which ripen in the autumn months - and their blueish leaves, evergreen junipers are a highlight of any stroll in the countryside.

Historically the shrub's wood has been used as fragrant firewood and in Scotland juniper was the plant of choice for illegal whisky stills as the plant was said to burn with less smoke. The aromatic berries are also prized for their flavour that they impart to gin and game dishes.

In fact, there is no part of the plant that has not at some point in the past been put to use. The shrub's prickly boughs were once used as a substitute for barbed wire. Although still fairly common in recent years, the number of junipers has plummeted and the plant has become an endangered species.

Joe Sutton, of Plantlife International, attributed the decline of the plant to fertility problems in ageing shrubs.

"The problem seems to be that many of the bushes are now over 100 years old. Unsurprisingly, these OAPs are no longer very successful at producing a new generation and when the shrub does produce viable seeds, grazing pressures are often so high that if any seedlings are set, they are at mercy of voles, rabbits, sheep and deer," he said.

This month. the charity has organised a survey of the bushes throughout upland areas of the country, where the juniper is known to be growing.

Mr Sutton said: "What we are looking for is a complete record of juniper populations in the area. We want people to tell us whether plants are young, old or mature. We ask them also to look at the surrounding area and see whether it appears to be over-grazed."

No botanical expertise is needed to complete the survey. To take part, either call 01722-342755 or e-mail juniper@plantlife.org.uk. You can also download the form at CUMBRIAN nature lovers have been asked to volunteer their services to help monitor the decline of an eye-catching feature of the Lake District fells.

Leading plant conservation organisation Plantlife International has organised a nationwide survey of endangered upland juniper plants, reports Ruth Lythe.

The charity is particularly keen to attract walkers, farmers, landowners and members of the public to take part in a survey of the plant this autumn. This aims to provide accurate information on the plant's present status in the UK, helping future conservation efforts.

With their distinctive black berries - which ripen in the autumn months - and their blueish leaves, evergreen junipers are a highlight of any stroll in the countryside.

Historically the shrub's wood has been used as fragrant firewood and in Scotland juniper was the plant of choice for illegal whisky stills as the plant was said to burn with less smoke. The aromatic berries are also prized for their flavour that they impart to gin and game dishes.

In fact, there is no part of the plant that has not at some point in the past been put to use. The shrub's prickly boughs were once used as a substitute for barbed wire. Although still fairly common in recent years, the number of junipers has plummeted and the plant has become an endangered species.

Joe Sutton, of Plantlife International, attributed the decline of the plant to fertility problems in ageing shrubs.

"The problem seems to be that many of the bushes are now over 100 years old. Unsurprisingly, these OAPs are no longer very successful at producing a new generation and when the shrub does produce viable seeds, grazing pressures are often so high that if any seedlings are set, they are at mercy of voles, rabbits, sheep and deer," he said.

This month. the charity has organised a survey of the bushes throughout upland areas of the country, where the juniper is known to be growing.

Mr Sutton said: "What we are looking for is a complete record of juniper populations in the area. We want people to tell us whether plants are young, old or mature. We ask them also to look at the surrounding area and see whether it appears to be over-grazed."

No botanical expertise is needed to complete the survey. To take part, either call 01722-342755 or e-mail juniper@plantlife.org.uk. You can also download the form at www.plantlife.org.uk.