John Dickson (left) and Duncan Jones of NBC Bird and Pest Control in Attleborough who are cycling from their office to Andover in Hampshire to raise awareness of the plight of the Kestrel. Photograph Simon Parker

Two cyclists have set off on a charity challenge to help a conservation project.

NBC Bird and Pest Solutions managing director John Dickson and marketing manager Duncan Jones left their head office in Attleborough today to complete a 170 mile cycle ride to Andover, Hampshire.

The pair are completing the challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s (HCT) Caring for Kestrels programme.

They are expecting to complete the journey in three days.

Since the 1980s the number of kestrels in the wild have declined to such an extent that the British Trust for Ornithology have categorised them as amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) listings.

As part of the initiative, the HCT are aiming install 106 nest boxes in study areas around Hampshire. The money raised from the cycle will help fund the four year study into the number of kestrels.

Mr Dickson and Mr Jones will be stopping overnight near Cambridge on the first night and near Henley on the second night before the final leg of the journey taking them to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover.

Donations can be made at Just Giving/NBC