The RSPB plan wetland restoration work at the farm

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has bought an area of land on the county's northern coast, near Bowness-on-Solway.

The 205-acre Rogersceugh - a former livestock farm - will become a new habitat for wetland wildlife.

Funding from English Nature and the Heritage Lottery Fund helped the RSPB purchase the land.

They gave �120,000 and �370,000 respectively towards a purchase which will see waterfowl and rare insects given a firmer foothold on the peatland around the site.

It is hoped the farm, which is next to the RSPB's existing Campfield Marsh reserve, will attract a wide range of birds and other wildlife all year round, which should prove to be a popular attraction for local people and visitors.

The RSPB hopes Lapwing will be attracted to the new habitat

The RSPB's plans are part of a wider partnership with English Nature to restore the necessary water levels that will breathe new life into the Bowness Common Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an internationally important peatland.

RSPB warden, Norman Holton, who currently manages the Campfield Marsh reserve, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to buy Rogersceugh farm and the RSPB is grateful to the previous owners for their willingness to sell, and their enthusiasm for our plans for the future use of the land.

"We are also very grateful for the fantastic support of The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Nature who have supported this purchase so generously.

"It will bring benefits not only for wildlife, but also for the people of Cumbria and the local economy."

Tony Jones, Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager for the North West, said: "This is excellent news for the wildlife of Cumbria, and for everyone who takes an interest in and enjoyment of the countryside."