EVERY year, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust stages a special week where the trust brings together as many organisations and people as it can to appreciate the county's natural beauty and wildlife.

This year, Worcestershire Wildlife Week will celebrate its 20th anniversary over nine days, from Saturday, May 5, to Sunday, May 13.

Julie Clark, access to wildlife officer at the trust, says: "This year, we have a superb calendar of events planned by many wildlife trust volunteers and other organisations to help us celebrate the week.

"The beginning of May is a wonderful time to get out into the great outdoors. Many of the trust's woodland reserves are blooming with beautiful bluebells while the dawn chorus is in full swing. Meadows are flourishing with a fantastic array of wildflowers and the wonderful wetland reserves are busy with waterfowl and their young.

"There is something to appeal to everyone during the week.

"If you are old or young, a keen naturalist or a novice, there is an event for you. In the Lickey Hills, South Birmingham, the wardens are holding a bluebell walk in Beaconwood Nature Reserve.

"In south-east Worcestershire, there are open days at Tiddesley Wood, Broadway Gravel Pit wetland, and Windmill Hill wildflower meadow nature reserves.

"Dawn chorus events are happening in Redditch, at the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, and at Chaddesley Wood National Nature Reserve and Grafton Wood. At the Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve, near Worcester, there will be a twilight walk for bats, and in Worcester, the Bevere Art Gallery will be holding a wildlife art exhibition during the May week."

To check out what's going on during wildlife week, visit the trust's website on www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk, or call 01905 754919.