LIFE in towns and cities can isolate us a little from the wildlife that exists around us.

Here in the Wyre Forest district we are very lucky, as just a short distance from each of the town centres is a fantastic array of wildlife.

The other weekend, I found myself with an hour to kill at Stourport Leisure Centre.

It was quite early in the morning, everything was soaking wet from the previous night's rain and there was a thin, but soggy mist.

The wetness nearly deterred me from having a little walk along the River Severn out across the playing fields to Redstone Marsh, as I was sure to end up with thick mud on my shoes and probably on my trousers as well.

I had certainly not planned to have a walk, but there was something about the thin mist and stillness of the day that seemed to call me and condemn my footwear.

As it turned out, it was well worth it as I had one of those special wildlife moments that just seem to grab you and really lift the day.

I walked along the Severn for a while, but there was not much of interest, as the banks are very overgrown with dead and dying Himalayan balsam.

Looking across the sports field, I noticed the unmistakable silhouette of a raptor (bird of prey), perched on the top of one of the rugby posts.

I ambled towards it, casually wondering just how close I could get.

From the size of the bird, I was fairly confident I was looking at a kestrel and, as I got closer, this was confirmed. In fact, I got very close indeed as I ended up standing right underneath it.

Looking up, I could see it was not paying me any attention at all as it was closely observing a nearby oak tree. Following its gaze, I could see it was staring directly at a tawny owl perched on a branch.

Chancing my luck further, I walked towards the owl, but it was having none of it and almost immediately took to the skies on its broad wings. After this fantastic sight I decided to go and have a closer look around the base of the oak tree, because in the past I had found several owl pellets there.

As I approached the oak, just to my left at the base of an adjacent tree I heard a rustle and then saw the pale shape of a barn owl fly into the sky.

This owl gracefully circled me once then soared off out towards Redstone Marsh, not to be seen by me again this morning.

To think, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Stourport you can have such a wonderful wildlife experience.