WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is running a range of discovery courses to help wildlife-lovers brush up their knowledge of the county’s flora and fauna.

The courses cover everything from birdsong to slugs and cater for complete beginners to those with a basic understanding of the topic.

Each session is led by a local expert with a wealth of knowledge about their subject and Worcestershire’s wildlife.

Hannah Thomas, engagement officer at the trust, 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.

“Some of our courses are aimed at people with absolutely no knowledge whatsoever and some are more suitable for people who know some of the basics.

“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 been so popular in previous years that there are three dates in 2015: birdsong identification for beginners on Saturday, May 2, at Lower Smite Farm; birdsong identification for absolute beginners on Saturday, May 9, at the Knapp and Papermill nature reserve; and birdwatching for absolute beginners on Saturday, May 30, at Upton Warren nature reserve.

The birdsong courses will help participants to understand the basics of birdsong while a walk around each venue will help to reinforce identification of the species encountered there.

Birdwatching for beginners will help participants to discover more about where to watch birds, what equipment is needed and offer the chance to visit the county’s premier birdwatching nature reserve to put new-found skills to the test.

Other courses during the year include learning more about wildflowers, bats, water voles, fungi and slugs.

Hannah Thomas added: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re fascinated by the cute and cuddly or the slimy and secretive, there is something for everyone.

“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.”

Each course, which will be limited to 10 to 15 participants, involves an indoor presentation and the chance to get out and put the newly-learned knowledge into practice.

Participation costs £15 or £20 per person and booking is essential.

For more details visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/courses or call Hannah Thomas on 01905 754919.