THE speaker at the May meeting was Joe Hardman, from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

He spoke most interestingly about the trust and its work.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust manages close-on 50 nature reserves, some are privately owned and some are local authority owned, including the River Arrow Nature Reserve in Alcester.

These include very varied habitats - wetland, woodland, uplands, roadside, waterside - monitoring all the animal, plant and insect life on each site.

A great deal of woodland is managed by the trust, including the Forestry Commission's Oversley Wood and woodland on Lord Hertford's estate.

Nearby woods include Roughhill Wood, Hampton Wood and Snitterfield Bushes.

The latter has particularly easy access, thanks to the good pathways created during the war - the airfield is next to the woods and had been planned for use by bombers until, after all the preparations, the inadequate runway proved to be unsuitable.

All the above are now open after the foot and mouth restrictions.

The trust acquires and manages reserves, makes access to them as easy as possible and publishes magazines. It uses volunteers as much as possible.

Education is a major duty and the aim is to introduce young people to the world of nature and then get them involved.

There are also specialist groups such as one dealing with bats, a protected species.

Bluebells too are protected, no-one may dig them up and sell them.

The trust also protects landscapes, working to preserve ancient hedgerows.

Mr Hardman showed, on slides, many beautiful examples of local wildlife and amazed members with his depth of knowledge in response to the many questions - a truly inspiring speaker.

The next meeting is on Tuesday July 17, and is a visit to Ragley Home Farm.

It is planned to have two tractors and trailers this year to avoid anyone having to wait.

Details available in the next newsletter or from any committee member.