VOLUNTEERS are hosting an evening for people to discover more about the wealth of wildlife at Chaddesley Woods and Upton Warren nature reserves.

Mervyn Needham and Gordon Forrest have been volunteering for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust for many years and have a huge knowledge and great enthusiasm for wildlife in the area. Mr Needham is the volunteer manager for Chaddesley Woods National Nature Reserve and Mr Forrest runs the trust’s Bromsgrove supporter group.

The pair will be giving an illustrated talk about the wildlife at both sites from 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 31 at Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall.

Mr Needham said: “I imagine that few local residents realise that, aside from the Wyre Forest, Chaddesley Woods is the largest block of woodland in the county.”

The evening will also focus on the bird life at Upton Warren nature reserve, between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. Gordon Forrest has been visiting Upton Warren since before the trust acquired it as a nature reserve in 1968. He was involved in the early management of the site as well as constructing bird hides that allowed members of the public to enjoy the wildlife there.

He said “Upton Warren really is the area’s premier bird-watching site. Unusually for an inland site, the nature reserve has saline pools and these attract a range of birds.”

There is a £2 per person charge, which includes tea and biscuits. For more information contact Mervyn on 01562 777461. For information about how to support the work of the trust visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk