THE guest speaker at the U3A’s October monthly meeting was Hannah Thomas of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Hannah gave us an overview of the varied work of the Trust within our county which boasts in excess of 80 reserves.

Wildlife conservation was the brainchild of the enthusiastic entomologist Charles Rothschild who, in 1912, began the promotion of reserves with a view to protecting the habitat of the widest possible variety of species. Having identified 284 potential sites across the UK he purchased the land and opened the first reserve at Woodwalton Fern in Cambridgeshire. The national wildlife trust prompted the establishment of the Midlands Conservation Trust which then divided, leading to the formation of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, one of 47 such organisations across the UK.

Our local trust aims to promote knowledge of natural sciences, restore and protect local wildlife and, with its 20,000 or so members, is one of the best supported in the UK. This is not surprising considering that Worcestershire has 20% of the country’s meadows. Rich in many flowers (including orchids), butterflies and bees they support other insects, birds and small mammals which in turn support the birds of prey we now see so frequently in our skies.

Sites are numerous across Worcestershire and, where possible, linked by wildlife channels, allowing species to spread across the county. There is much to tempt the wildlife enthusiast. Eades Meadow has around 180 species of plants, Hollybed Farm is a designated area of special scientific interest, whilst Upton Warren is an important wetland site which has a natural saltwater pool as well as its lakes. Here can be seen coastal birds, migrating ospreys , the rare and threatened bittern and the occasional otter. The water vole has declined by approximately 90 per cent in the last ten years, but there is a colony in the Bromsgrove area, so Trust members are doing as much as they can to develop the habitat, control predators (particularly the foreign invader, mink), and make sure the local population is aware of its good fortune.

Ancient woodlands cover now only 2.5 per cent of the country but those in Worcestershire are gradually being restored and developed by the Trust. The conifers which were planted in the 1950s are being cut down and replaced with native species. This is important work as these areas support a wide range of mammals and birds. Grafton Wood, for example, is now the home of some very rare bechstein bats thanks to the work of the Trust and local enthusiasts.

Orchards too have a range of interesting wildlife from the flowers that grow amongst the grass to the rare Noble Chafer, a metallic-green-coloured beetle which is on the wing for only 4-6 weeks of its 3-year life cycle. There is some heathland too, carefully managed to support a small population of adders as well as common lizards.

We should not forget our gardens which, if appropriately managed, can be a haven for all kinds of species. One of the Trust’s main aims is to promote a living landscape which relies on us all – farmers, landowners, householders – to do our bit for nature.

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has its headquarters at Smite Farm. Here staff members receive parties of schoolchildren during term-time and families during the holidays. There are wildlife discovery courses available to adults, and offshoot local groups meet monthly to listen to guest speakers or go on nature walks. There is plenty more information available on the Trust’s website, but we are grateful to Hannah for introducing some to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and reminding others of the wealth of sites that this beautiful county has to offer.

There will be no guest speaker next month as we are holding our annual Open Day at the Town Hall from 12 till 3pm on Wednesday, November 2. We will be delighted to welcome all existing and potential new members. If you are wondering what the Evesham U3A has to offer, come and meet the leaders of the 70+ groups that are already up and running. There really is something for everyone but, if you have an interest that is not currently covered, you can join us and start your own group. Committee members will be on hand to advise you.

GRAHAME PERCIVAL