RARE plants and ice climbers are both set to benefit from a new monitoring system that tracks winter weather conditions on one of the UK's most imposing mountains.

The system, placed on the Red Tarn face of Helvellyn, provides hourly temperature data to help climbers assess conditions before they begin their ascent.

The Helvellyn massif, because of its height and north-facing aspect, often bears the brunt of severe weather conditions ahead of other parts of the Lake District. That makes it a popular location for winter climbing.

The climactic conditions and the craggy terrain provides a niche habitat for unusual plants, including three extremely rare alpine species. These are vulnerable to damage by crampons and ice axes when the ground is not frozen solid.

The new monitoring devices will provide conditions-specific information to help winter climbers plan ahead and make sure they are suitably equipped to keep safe and protect plant life.

The new monitoring system will be made up of an air temperature sensor on the Red Tarn face, along with three temperature probes buried in the turf at various levels.

A repeater station on Birkhouse Moor takes the readings and sends them to a receiver at the Lake District National Park visitor centre at Glenridding.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has been working on the project since last summer with the support of Natural England, the Lake District National Park Authority and the John Muir Trust.

Rare and precious plant life on the Helvellyn massif includes: Alpine saxifrage, which in England is unique to Helvellyn; downy willow, a low branching dwarf tree, again found only on Helvellyn; and Alpine meadow grass, which grows in only four locations in England.