WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is offering nature-lovers chance to brush up on their knowledge of the county's wildlife with a series of discovery courses.

Led by local wildlife experts, the courses cover everything from birdsong to slugs and cater for absolute beginners to those with a basic knowledge of the topic.

Hannah Thomas, Wildlife Trust engagement officer, said: “Our wildlife discovery courses are a great opportunity for people to dip their toes into the fascinating world of wildlife or to build on knowledge they already have.

“The sessions are informal and friendly with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get advice on how to continue learning back at home.”

Bird-related courses have proved so popular in previous years that there are three dates this year.

The first, Birdsong Identification for Beginners, takes place at Lower Smite Farm this Saturday and has already sold out but a handful of places remain on Birdsong Identification for Absolute Beginners, running on Saturday May 9 at the Knapp and Papermill nature reserve, and Birdwatching for Absolute Beginners, which takes place on Saturday May 30 at Upton Warren nature reserve.

Other courses looking at wildflowers, bats, water voles, fungi and slugs will be held throughout the year.

Hannah added: "We’ve got courses taking place around the county – we’ll be discovering more about identifying trees in Pershore, looking for water voles in Bromsgrove, hunting for bats near Alfrick and learning about the many varieties of slugs and why they’re not all garden pests in the Wyre Forest.”

Courses cost £15 to £20 and include an indoor presentation and chance to get out and put newly-learned knowledge into practice.

Places on each are limited to ten to 15 participants so booking is essential.

For more details visit http://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/courses or to book call 01905 754919 or email hannah@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org.