A RARE bird has been spotted at a Hampshire beauty spot for the first time in ten years.

The Dartford warbler nearly died out in the UK in the 1960s and is still on an endangered species list compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

But one of the birds has been spotted at Barton Common in New Milton by nature expert Keith Betton.

The land is owned by the town council, which has recently reintroduced grazing ponies and cattle to the site to improve habitats for wildlife.

As reported in the Daily Echo the animals are munching their way through vast amounts of vegetation, saving taxpayers £3,000 a year in grass-cutting fees.

Mr Betton, a member of Hampshire Ornithological Society, said: 'It's always exciting when a rare bird is recorded in a new location.

“The only previous sighting was in 2004, despite the fact that Dartford warblers are relatively widespread on the New Forest heaths.

“The grazed gorse at Barton Common is a good habitat for the birds and I'm hopeful that we will record even more species for the first time.

“There are two birds present so I'm hoping they may stay around for the breeding season.”

Town councillor Geoffrey Blunden added: “We've been working with the Land Advice Service for several years to change the way the common is managed, fulfilling the town council's obligation to ensure this important site is looked after in the best possible way for the enjoyment of all.

“I'm pleased the scrub clearance is already helping to return the common to its former glory.”