RARE mammals living in the Bromsgrove area, including bats, otters and newts, will be better protected in the future thanks to a pioneering partnership.

Bromsgrove District Council has teamed up with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to improve the conservation of protected species inhabiting the town's parks, rivers, woodlands and surrounds.

The council initially approached the trust for help with its bio-diversity action programme. However, this resulted in the first formal Service Level Agreement between the trust and a local authority in Worcestershire, which is designed to actively promote wildlife conservation.

Council spokesman Keith James said: "Formalising the way we work with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust will help us to deliver our Biodiversity Action Programme, ensuring that the words are turned into meaningful actions."

Some council staff will be trained in helping townsfolk deliver better protection to wildlife, including guidance for voluntary water vole surveyors.

Water for Wildlife officer Andy Graham said: "This is really good news and we are delighted that Bromsgrove council have taken this forward thinking approach and we are looking forward to working closely with them in the forthcoming year."

Trust site and species officer Steve Bloomfield added: "We very much hope that other local authorities will follow suit."

He added: "These agreements allow us to plans ahead in partnership and achieve our common aims for the good of Worcestershire's wildlife.

For further information contact Andy Graham on 01905 754919 or log on to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/envhealth.