Bird-lovers in the Western Isles are invited to find out more and have their say about the conservation of the wading birds curlews and lapwings in Harris and Lewis.

Organisers Working for Waders is a partnership project involving many different organisations and groups across Scotland and the conservationists will hold their Wader Conservation on Harris & Lewis event on Wednesday 29 July from 7pm to 8:30pm at Bhaltos Community Trust Miavaig. The event is free and a collaboration between the Bhaltos Community Trust and Working for Waders, funded by NatureSCOT.

The group believes that although wading birds are an iconic part of life in Scotland, many species have been doing really badly over the past 20 years. Curlews and lapwings, the bird lovers say, have been completely lost from some areas, with these birds now treated as a national priority.

As part of a recent survey, Harris and Lewis were identified by the partnership as what it designates as a potential Wader Recovery Area – one of 14 locations across Scotland where waders can be protected and conserved.

To develop this idea, NatureSCOT and Working for Waders are said to need to get a better idea of what's happening in the Western Isles and how the birds are doing.

Those interested should register a place using the Eventbrite link here.

The evening will be hosted by Bhaltos Community Trust and all interested will be able to find out more about wader conservation, including a focus on:

• Wader identification
• Threats to wading birds
• Agri-environmental funding for wader habitats
• Predator control
• Challenges and opportunities ahead

Organisers say, there will be a chance to bring your knowledge to help improve the situation for "the precious and treasured wading birds on Harris and Lewis."