A NEW volunteer programme to help protect habitats for wildlife in Wyre Forest is to get underway next week.

Butterfly Conservation, Natural England and the Forestry Commission have joined forces and will be launching ‘Forest Guardians’ on Wednesday, January 25.

Volunteers interested in getting involved are asked to meet at the Earnwood Copse car park on the Bewdley to Kinlet Road for 10am.

The new programme will offer regular opportunities for volunteers to get involved in practical conservation tasks both midweek and at weekends and also the chance to become involved in survey work on butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Alice James, Reserve Manager for Natural England, added: “The Wyre Forest is one of the most important areas of woodland in the country and has retained important populations of butterflies and birds which have been lost elsewhere.

“We want to ensure that this wealth of wildlife continues into the future.

Jenny Joy, Senior Regional Officer for Butterfly Conservation, said “The Wyre is particularly renowned for its Fritillary butterflies.

“Volunteers play a huge role both in maintaining good quality habitat and carrying out vital monitoring and survey work.

“We hope that the new Forest Guardians programme will attract new volunteers and allow this fantastic work to continue.”

All tools plus drinks will be provided on the day but people are asked to bring a packed lunch.

People can find out more about the programme by emailing alice.james@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 01299 400686.