THE history and wildlife of a Worcester nature reserve has been brought to life in a new leaflet.

A three-year Worcester City Council project backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund has culminated in the issue of the leaflet and an education resource pack describing the history and wildlife of Lyppard Grange, Warndon Villages, now surrounded by a modern housing development.

The leaflet: A Pocket History of Lyppard Grange', tells the story of the farm that has been in the centre of what is now Warndon Villages since 969AD, when Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, leased the land to a clerk named Wulfgar.

The leaflet also describes how the former garden of Lyppard Grange Farmhouse, with its two ponds, is now a Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

It is home to a large population of Great Crested Newts, a protected species, as well as butterflies, dragonflies, birds and small mammals.

And the Great Hairy Willowherb is among 97 species of flowering plants that grow there.

The education pack is aimed mainly at Key Stage 2 primary school pupils, but could be adapted for other age groups.

It covers the wildlife, history and geography of the site, with activity sheets, maps and copies of original documents.

Assistant Ranger Heather Bainbridge said: "The leaflet will be of interest to anyone who wants to know more about the history and natural environment of this unique site - particularly people living in Warndon Villages, where the house and farm used to be.

"The education pack will bring local history, natural history and geography to life for school students."

The leaflet is available from Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Warndon Villages, and from the Customer Service Centre at Orchard House, Farrier Street, on 01905 722233.

The education pack will be posted out on request - please call the Customer Service Centre on the above number.

It will also shortly be available to download from the Worcester City Council website at www.worcester.gov.uk