SIX parishes in the Droitwich area have been recognised for having a natural environment and wildlife of regional importance and will soon benefit from a new pilot scheme.

Hanbury, Hadzor, Huddington, Oddingley, Himbleton and Stock have all been recognised by English Nature and now fall within part of the county designated as a 'Bio-diversity Enhancement Area'.

Organisations throughout Worcestershire, which have the common aim of protecting our natural environment and its wildlife, are working together as the Worcestershire Bio-diversity Partnership.

The partnership will co-ordinate a new project, called Vision Mapping, which will help communities explore, learn about and celebrate the wildlife and habitats on their doorstep.

Droitwich library will be hosting a display about the project. The exhibition starts next Wednesday and runs for a week. Over the next year the partnership aims to encourage as many people as possible to take part in walks, talks and the other events which are happening in and around Droitwich Spa.

Becky Lashley is the community wildlife officer for the Worcestershire Bio-diversity Partnership.

She said: "This is fantastic for the areas concerned. We have been getting very positive interest in what we are trying to do from schools, parish councils and those drawing up parish plans.

"It is amazing how many people don't know what is on their doorstep. Children are very important because we want to help them understand the importance of looking after the nature which is near to where they live."

To start the programme of events a family fungus foray is being held at Piper's Hill woodland, near Hanbury, from 2-4pm this Sunday.

After highlighting the wildlife and natural features of the area, it is hoped that residents will give feedback which will enable the bio-diversity team to pinpoint exact conservation areas.