Clare Balding is fronting a new plea to protect endangered 'Save Our Skylarks' in Richmond Park.

Dog walkers are being asked to keep their pets on a lead in certain areas of what is a wildlife reserve to protect the birds, which nest on the ground.

At the same time, runners and walkers are also being asked to take care not to disturb the nests, particularly on the eastern side of the park, near Roehampton Gate.

The TV presenter, who is a patron of the Friends of Richmond Park (FRP), is fronting a YouTube video highlighting the threat to the birds.

She said: "This is a skylarks breeding area and they are notoriously difficult to see. You can hear them of course and their song is so uplifting."

Their beautiful song rings out over parts of Richmond Park and the bird has been celebrated by many poets and writers, for example as Shelley's 'blithe spirit" and Wordsworth's 'ethereal minstrel'.

Clare said: "Their numbers though have been really declining. Over the last 40 years or so they are down by 60-75per cent and they are on the RSPB red list.

"That is why we in Richmond Park are trying so hard to protect their breeding area."

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A number of fences and signs have been erected to alert Park users to the presence of the nesting birds.

Clare said: "This is a protected skylark breeding area; please keep your dogs on leads, stick to the main footpaths and respect the wildlife – it's their Park."

The Royal Parks Biodiversity Manager, Peter Lawrence said: "Skylarks are very vulnerable to disturbance..... we have identified skylark breeding zones and have erected signs requesting dogs be kept on short leads. Together we can help nature thrive".

FRP Chairman, Roger Hillyer, said: "We're delighted our efforts to raise awareness of the plight of Skylarks were successful last year and ask visitors to continue to help these marvellous birds again".

The FRP charity promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural and physical environment of Richmond Park, and its peace and natural beauty for the benefit of the public and future generations.

Watch RichmondPark SOS: Save Our Skylarks.