CONSERVATIONIST Fred Jennings, pictured right, is leaving Wyre Forest a legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations.

Over the past 20 years Mr Jennings has helped to create one of Britain's finest butterfly habitats and an arboretum in the Forestry Commission woodlands.

But the 79-year-old retired ambulance service liaison officer now says it's time to hang up his gardening gloves and is folding the group.

"With only a few of us left, and our youngest member aged 76, it was time to call a halt," said Mr Jennings from Broadwaters, Kidderminster.

"A lot of the work is a bit too much for us now.

"We hope that younger people who love Wyre as much as we do will take over the task. There's so much they can do and enjoy."

Commission area forester Richard Boles said the group had left a magnificent legacy for the community.

"Fred and his team have preserved habitats for wonderful woodland plants like orchids and hellebores," he said.

"They have protected wildlife too, creating habitats for creatures like dormice and adders."