A CAMPAIGN aimed at saving a rare woodpecker species from extinction has been backed by Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier.

Mr Garnier has become a species champion for the lesser spotted woodpecker, which is in sharp decline with numbers plummeting by 50 per cent in the last 25 years.

He will work with the RSPB to raise the profile of the avian species and highlight its ongoing struggle to survive.

The birds are tiny woodpeckers, about the size of a house sparrow and are difficult to spot as they prefer to spend time high up in the canopy big trees looking for insects.

RSPB experts say lesser spotted woodpeckers are one of several woodland bird species in major trouble; others include the nightingale, willow tit, hawfinch and spotted flycatcher.

The RSPB is helping with research into the causes of these declines, which aren’t yet known.

Mr Garnier said: “Here in Wyre Forest, we are extremely fortunate to be living in exceptional surroundings, with one of the UK’s largest ancient woodlands in our area.

“Conserving this ancient woodland and the ecosystem it maintains for future generations is vitally important and I am delighted to be the RSPB’s champion for the lesser spotted woodpecker, one of the UK’s species currently under threat.

“As always I enjoyed visiting the Forest with conservation experts from the RSPB and the Woodland Trust to hear more of the habitat for the lesser spotted woodpecker, and I look forward to working with the RSPB as its champion.”

Emma Marsh, RSPB Midlands regional director, added: “The lesser spotted woodpecker is one of the most strongly declining bird species in Europe, and are now so scarce in the UK that they are treated as a rare breeding bird.

“Whilst the exact causes of decline are not fully understood, it is thought that changes in the management of woodlands and the loss of large trees in the countryside - such as elms - have had a strong impact on the species.

“By championing this delightful little bird we hope to raise awareness of its plight.”