Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has just introduced two green schemes at its wildlife and farming base at its Lower Smite Farm headquarters, near Hindlip.

A new geothermal heating system and rainwater harvesting scheme are both now operating at the centre.

Conservation manager Helen Woodman explained why the trust has introduced these changes: "The trust believes it is important to reduce the carbon emissions and greenhouse gases which are contributing towards global warming and threatening wildlife. The two new schemes will reduce the trust's demand on natural resources in the centre, thereby reducing carbon emissions."

The new geothermal heating system will heat part of the trust's conference and education centre.

The system uses energy from the sun which is absorbed by the ground to create a constant temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius. More than 100 metres of pipe is buried underground in a horizontal loop - and fluid in the pipe absorbs the heat. The heated water is then pumped into an underfloor heating system in the building.

The rainwater harvesting system collects water running off the rooftops from outbuildings at the centre. This water is then used to flush the toilets in the centre, replacing drinking quality water and cutting down on the energy needed to clean it to that high standard.

Helen said: "We want to encourage everybody to introduce steps to reduce their reliance on natural resources in their lifestyles.

"Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is looking at ways it can reduce its own impact and introducing this geothermal heating system and rainwater harvesting are just two ways we are taking action.

"We hire out our meeting facilities to local businesses and it would be marvellous if these visitors were inspired to do similar schemes by seeing ours."