25 years of volunteering culminates in Wyre Forest book

The book is the culmination of 25 years of research and study by volunteers and will be officially launched at the Wyre Forest Discovery Centre at Callow Hill on Friday.

Entitled The Nature of Wyre, it details the woodland which is one of the richest lowland oak forests in the British Isles and its wildlife.

More than 50 people contributed to the book.

Rosemary Winnall, organiser of the project and one of the managing editors, said: "Wyre Forest is exceptionally important for wildlife as well as a wonderful place for people to live in and visit.

"At over 6,424 acres and with an interesting geology and fascinating history, its rich flora and fauna has attracted people for many years.

"The idea for a book about the natural history of Wyre Forest came about in 2006.

"Its launch this year not only celebrates the wildlife for which Wyre Forest is renowned but it also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Wyre Forest Study Group, without which the book would not have been possible."

In 1991 the group was set up by Forestry Commission conservation officer Peter Hobson, who drew together local people who were actively studying wildlife in the area.

There are now more than 50 members, including a core of about 20 active naturalists who take part in surveys and projects associated with Wyre's wildlife.

In recent years the group has concentrated on finding and mapping special creatures found in the woodland, including the snow flea and lemon slug.

Rosemary, who was a founder member of the group, added: "The book covers all aspects of Wyre's wildlife from dragonflies and deer to fungi and frogs.

"Many of the authors live in the Wyre Forest area or have been undertaking research here for many years. The book is also richly illustrated with more than 600 photographs, many of which have been taken by talented local photographers."

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Other managing editors were broadcaster Brett Westwood, Harry Green, a founder member of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and former chairman of the British Trust for Ornithology, and Peter Shirley, chairman of the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.

Contributors included Mike Averill, from Kidderminster, the Worcestershire dragonfly recorder, Phil Rudlin, from the Forestry Commission who has overseen an ongoing dormouse study in Ribbesford Woods, and John Bingham, from Kidderminster, who has made special studies of Wyre's fungi and beetles for which the forest is regarded as nationally important.

Other important species found in the woodland which have disappeared throughout much of the Midlands include the pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies and scarce seven-spot ladybirds.

The book is available from Amazon for £37.50.