An attempt to improve the numbers of turtle doves is underway at an airfield.

In recent years, the number of turtle doves has decreased by 80 per cent, due to a loss of habitat and the birds being hunted as they undertake their migration to sub-Saharan West Africa in late August to early September.

The Essex Birdwatching Society is now attempting to lure more of the birds, which are smaller and darker than collared doves and slightly larger than blackbirds, to the Ministry of Defence Police Headquarters at Wethersfield airbase.

Chairman of the society Gerry Johnson said: “We have previously sown an area in 2014 with special seed mix which the turtle doves particularly like.

“Next Sunday, we are going back to the airfield to sow a larger area."

The work party is open to members of the Essex Birdwatching Society only.