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The National Trust said it believed ongoing wildfires at Abergwesyn common in Powys had destroyed "the last remaining" local breeding habitat for golden plovers - considered one of the most beautiful birds of the British uplands.

A major part of the scheme has been to "re-naturalise" the River Sherford, creating a wetland which now hosts lapwing, golden plover and common snipe.

He adds: "In the spring when the greenshank and golden plover are singing, it's a fantastic place."

The spokesman said it was "fantastic" to see and hear the golden plovers on the island after their arrival from northern Europe.

The fires destroyed habitats for a range of threatened species including golden plover and Irish hare.