GLOUCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is bidding to reveal the magic of watching wildlife.

As part of National Wildlife Week, which starts tomorrow, May 31, 2003, the trust is challenging people, especially families and children, to get out and take a look in Lower Woods Nature Reserve, near Wickwar.

Head of marketing at the trust Natalie Beecham said the week aims to raise awareness of the magic of wildlife watching, adding: "It is hoped events throughout the week will encourage more people to use the trust's 70-plus nature reserves and inspire greater interest in and enjoyment of wildlife particularly among young people."

The Walking with Wildlife event in Lower Woods, off Inglestone Common, has been organised to celebrate the launch of three new way-marked walks in the woods and a new leaflet to guide people around the reserve.

Throughout Sunday, June 8, people will have the opportunity to walk around the 700-acre oak wood under the watchful eye of knowledgeable tour guides. Trust director Gordon McGlone said the trust is keen to encourage people to help protect wildlife.

"Watching wildlife is really magic," he said. "We're working hard to protect it, but we also want people to enjoy it more. I've seen chattering four year olds struck dumb by the spectacle of badgers emerging from their sett and city types inspired and energised by a simple walk through a summer meadow rich in flowers, butterflies and bees. It's a cycle - if you care you watch, if you watch you care - and we want to encourage more of both as they're key to preserving Gloucestershire's wildlife into the future."

Entry to the Lower Woods event is free. Organisers say boots or strong shoes are essential for people taking part in the Littley Loop and Little Avon Circuit wildlife and history guided walks. The walks, primarily for adults, last between one-and-a-half and two hours departing at 11.30am. 12.45pm, 2pm and 3.45pm.

There will be children's woodland activity trail walks, for accompanied children, starting at 11.30am and 2pm. Young people on the walk will take part in shelter building, games and wild art. There will also be a barbecue.

The trust is also calling on people who compost and those who don not to take part in the first Gloucestershire-wide internet survey of composting habits.

The new survey - How do you rot yours? - is being launched during national wildlife week and aims to find out the who, how and why of composting in Gloucestershire. It will be posted online at www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk from tomorrow.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has a special family membership package, which includes free membership of Wildlife Watch for children.

For more information about the Lower Woods event, membership or reserves contact Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust on 01452 383333.

Wildlife watching tips

Wildlife Trust - contact us for information about local nature reserves and wildlife you might spot there

Watching journal - write down details of what you see - you can illustrate it with drawings, photos, maps, feathers, fur, fallen leaves and empty seed cases.

Footprints - look in mud, on sand or soft soil and in winter snow for clues of what wildlife is around and might be spotted

Droppings - mammals in particular leave distinctive droppings, some deliberately to mark their territory. Record the shape, size and smell to compare habits and movements on repeat visits.

Pellets - birds of prey and sea birds produce pellets of indigestible food remains such as bones, hair and feathers. Look below branches, ledges and beams in barns for clues about these birds and what they're eating.

Feathers - birds moult naturally and feathers are easily found but not so easily identified. They're still fun to collect and can offer clues about what species are nesting or feeding locally

Hairs - look for mammal hairs on tree bark, burrow entrances and wire fences, and the colour, size and texture will help identify what wildlife is around

Mini-beasts - looking under a mossy log or stone will reveal lots of exciting wildlife activity. A magnifying glass will make it even more fun as you discover the world of spiders, mites, woodlice, snails, larvae, centipedes and many more.

Have fun - spotting wildlife is a fun family activity. If you set out to watch a specific species but have no luck, don't be disappointed - keep it fun by focusing on what you can see whether it's flowers, plants, pond life, insects or simply counting butterflies or bees.

Pictured: Fungus Coprinus