NEW research has revealed that Cumbria is home to more than 150 breeding birds - more than any other county in the country.

The claim is made in a new book produced by the Cumbria Bird Club, which charts the fortunes of the county's breeding wild bird populations.

The Breeding Birds of Cumbria, or the Atlas, is the result of five years of fieldwork by more than 250 volunteers, who surveyed every corner of the county to ensure the report was the most detailed and up-to-date assessment of Cumbria's bird populations ever produced.

It outlines the population status of all the county' s breeding birds, maps the distribution of each species within the county, and highlights those most in need of conservation.

Editors of the Atlas hope it will become a vital tool in helping those agencies that are working to safeguard species.

One of the key findings is that 152 species were recorded nesting in the county during the five years of fieldwork.

The book also reveals that since the last similar survey carried out in 1968-72:

l The nuthatch had increased by 688 per cent.

l The buzzard had increased by 25 per cent.

l The tufted duck had increased by 47 per cent.

During the seven years since the project started, other achievements include the return of breeding ospreys to the county and to England, the first-ever breeding record of common rosefinch in Cumbria, and the first breeding by rare bird of prey the honey buzzard.

But as well as highlighting success stories, the book also reveals areas for concern, including the 93 per cent population decrease of the corncrake and a 72 per cent decrease in black grouse.

Other species which are giving cause for concern include the willow tit, yellowhammer and all tern species.

Malcolm Stott, of the Cumbria Bird Club and senior editor, said the findings were both cause for celebration and concern.

"Everyone with an interest in Cumbria's rich wildlife will be inspired and challenged by the findings of this important publication," he said.

"This book provides a baseline, both in numbers and distribution, for all Cumbria's breeding birds and will be a vital tool for the county's decision makers."

He added that the quality of information was a tribute to the number of people who spent hours collecting and analyzing the information.

Cumbria Bird Club has raised £25,000 to finance the production of the Atlas, with other funding received from conservation agencies and local businesses.

The book costs £30 and is available from Lindsay Smith, 10 Winder Gate, Frizington, Cumbria, CA26 3QS.