New guide to help find rare species across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Nature enthusiasts in Birmingham and the Black Country will be able to discover some of the West Midlands rarest and most beautiful butterflies following the launch of a new guidebook for the area.
Walking with Butterflies identifies forty of the best butterfly sites in the region and has been published by the West Midlands Branch of wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation in celebration of their fortieth anniversary.
The book provides detailed information on where to find butterflies and day-flying moths, including maps, parking suggestions, a list of species in each area and the best time of year to see them.
The guide covers short strolls to day-long hikes, both in the countryside and across many of the regions towns and cities.
In Birmingham and the Black Country, there are walks in the Clent Hills, the Sandwell Valley and on a nature reserve near the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.
Joint editor of Walking with Butterflies and original founder of Butterfly Conservation’s West Midlands Branch, Mike Williams, said: “It is easy to become depressed about declines in our wildlife, but there are still plenty of butterflies out there if you know where to look and this new guide will enable people to do just that, whether they are looking for rare or common species.
“Walking with Butterflies can be seen as a celebration of butterflies and moths, as well as the work of Butterfly Conservation across the West Midlands over the past 40 years.
“Butterflies are sensitive indicators of the general health of our countryside and many of the walks included are rich in flowers and other wildlife. We hope this new guide will encourage people to get outside and be inspired to support our wider work in the conservation of these beautiful creatures.”
Walking with Butterflies costs £7.45 and is available by post from WMBC, Annesbrook, 2 Dewberry Close, Stourport, Worcs DY13 8TB. Make cheques payable to ‘Butterfly Conservation West Midlands branch’.
