A NEW wildlife discovery zone and larger-than-life 3D images of mini-beasts will be amongst the highlights of a popular Pershore woodland event.

The spring open day at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Tiddesley Wood nature reserve takes place during the May bank holiday weekend and attracts more than 1,000 people from across Worcestershire.

It is run entirely by volunteers and helps to showcase the wood’s wildlife, as well as raise funds for the conservation charity.

Harry Green, chairman of the volunteer group responsible for the event, said: “The open day at Tiddesley Wood is the highlight of our year – we look forward to welcoming both stallholders and visitors alike.

“Woodlands are special places in spring and Tiddesley is no exception – with birds singing, flowers blooming and butterflies fluttering, there’s plenty here to be inspired by and to provide the backdrop to a super day out.

“As well as expert-led wildlife walks, craft workers, family activities and live music, we’ve also got a new wildlife discovery zone to help visitors get up close with nature and for the first time we’re welcoming a photographer with a difference.

“Alan Shaw is a whizz with a scanning electron microscope and has taken the most amazing 3D pictures of insects. As 2D images they’re quite interesting but as 3D images, they bring a whole new aspect to looking at our miniature wildlife.”

Tiddesley Wood is well known for its carpets of bluebells each spring and the event is held to coincide with wild flowers like wood anemones, wild garlic and early purple orchids bringing colour and beauty to the ancient woodland.

More than 50 stallholders are booked into a marquee and woodland glade including local artists, craftspeople and wildlife groups. There will be several demonstrations of craft working including spinners, weavers, candle making and willow crafts, as well as the opportunity to buy craft work.

The 180-acre woodland, a site of special scientific interest, is home to many rare plants, insects and other animals. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust manages the woodland using a variety of methods to create and maintain wide sunny tracks and glades that are ideal for flowers and butterflies.

Mr Green added: “With light lunches and homemade cakes available throughout the day and with such a wide range of things happening, we’re sure that everyone from toddlers to grandparents will have a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

“And to top it all off, we shouldn’t forget the fabulous setting of a spring woodland full of colourful spring flowers and a riot of birdsong.”

The event takes place from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, May 3, and costs £3 for adults and £1 for children.

For more information visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk