First book on butterflies in the West Midlands launched in Bewdley

Over 60 people attended the launch of Butterflies of the West Midlands, detailing each of the 40 species in the region, how to identify them, and where they can be found.

A launch was then followed by a butterfly walk through Wyre Forest.

Martin Warren, Chief Executive of publishers the Butterfly Conservation, said: "This fabulous book is the culmination of many decades of meticulous study and observation by a group of dedicated individuals.

"They have intimate knowledge of the region and collectively have considerable experience of watching butterflies and documenting their distribution.

"It is an important book not just because it is the first book to describe the butterflies that occur but also because it shows where you can go to enjoy these beautiful insects."

Also detailed in the book is a list of 25 specifically designed butterfly walks throughout the region, drawing from a database of almost half a million records.

It is hoped the book will help raise awareness of the problems facing butterflies.

Ian Duncan, who co-ordinated the publication of the book on behalf of West Midlands Butterfly Conservation, said: "By publishing this book we hope to raise awareness of the problems facing many of our butterflies, some of which are continuing to decline, but also to show how, by taking effective conservation action, many species can recover and continue to flourish.

"The Pearl and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, Wood White, Silver-studded Blue and Brown Hairstreak are all examples of where conservation effort in different parts of the region has made a huge difference."

Peter Seal, Chair of West Midlands Butterfly Conservation, added: "The book is a real team effort and could not have been produced without help from many quarters.

"We would like to particularly thank those local companies and individuals who helped us to raise the necessary funding required for publication.

"West Midlands Butterfly Conservation has a terrific record of working with other wildlife organisations to conserve declining species and we hope that the book will encourage more people to help us in our efforts and also become members of Butterfly Conservation."

A special Fritillary Ale produced by Bewdley Brewery was produced to celebrate the book launch.

Copies of the book can be ordered online at naturebureau.co.uk/bookshop, with all proceeds helping conserve butterflies and moths in the West Midlands.