A POPULAR green area that plays host to a rare butterfly could soon be designated as a local nature reserve.

Offerton Wetlands, which were created when Warndon's Shire Business Park was constructed, have become a favourite haunt for the brown argus butterfly.

This small butterfly has red dots on its wings and a silver outline, and is usually found in open habitats.

They have also become popular with workers, many of whom have their lunch there, and with bird lovers, who go there to feed the ducks.

The wetlands have been earmarked as a Green Space in the Local Plan, but making it a local nature reserve would secure protection for the area as a wildlife habitat.

It would cost almost nothing to change its status, and it could then attract grant aid for management.

The Wild Watch Volunteers, the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers have already been consulted on how to manage the area.

The proposal will be discussed at Worcester City Council's cabinet meeting next Tuesday. It needs the support of English Nature to proceed.

Rory McClure, Worcester City Council's project green space officer, said the designation of the area could give it more of an identity.

"It's a popular place for people to go and feed the ducks, and it's great to get young people excited about wildlife and appreciating it from an early age," he said.

"Apart from a couple of signs, people won't see any dramatic change, but one of the key things about declaring it a local nature reserve is that people won't take it for granted any more.

"If you put this label on it, it doesn't change the land, but it changes people's perception of it."

There will be public consultation before a decision is made about the area.