WORCESTERSHIRE Biological Records Centre has been awarded a £58,200 National Lottery grant to study rare species near the Malvern Hills.

The project is focused on the little-recorded area around Suckley Hills, in the northernmost tip of the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The project will equip local people with the skills to search out and record rare animals and plants, such as the hazel dormouse and the barbastelle bat.

Project officer Lucy Grove said: “The Suckley Hills area is a really interesting landscape and has the potential for a large number of rare species to be found and recorded.

“We would love to hear from local people and landowners who are interested in learning more about the wonderful wildlife of this area and help undertake recording.

“We will be running events, training days and talks to help people involved in this great project.”

Worcestershire Biological Records Centre is the county’s hub for the collection, management and dissemination of biological data.

Vanessa Harbar, HEAD Of the Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to support the centre to galvanise volunteers to protect and enhance the outstanding natural heritage of Malvern Hills.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we can learn more about the rare species of Suckley Hills and how to better look after them in the future.”

Anyone interested can contact Lucy Grove at lucy@wbrc.org.uk or 01905 795759.