THE wettest summer since detailed records began in 1914 bodes badly for the wild grey partridge.

The species has already suffered a massive 86 per cent decline in the past 30 years and is on the brink of extinction in many areas.

"This wet summer has been a wash-out for partridge chicks struggling for survival and urgent conservation action needs to be taken by all those with a responsibility for managing the countryside," said Dr Nick Sotherton, head of research with the Game Conservancy Trust.

Many factors have contributed to the decline of grey partridges, such as the introduction of herbicides and pesticides into modern farming, causing the loss of important chick food, and also the loss of suitable habitat for nesting and brood-rearing.

A rise in the number of predators, such as foxes, rats, stoats, magpies and crows, is also a major factor, especially as the number of gamekeepers providing protection has halved over the past 30 years.

"Without the right sort of habitat, partridges and their young have nowhere to hide and are therefore extremely vulnerable to predation.

"Many predators are opportunistic and as a result an entire family can be knocked out in one go. However, predator control needs to be selective and only carried out when necessary," Dr Sotherton said.

The trust has produced free fact sheets outlining how to restore wild grey partridges.

They are available from Louise Shervington on 01425 651992 or e-mail lshervington@gct.org.uk