National Nature Reserves Week in Worcestershire has kicked off with plenty of nature activities for 12 days.

The second annual celebration, hosted by Natural England, highlights the benefits that National Nature Reserves (NNRs) bring to nature while encouraging people to enjoy nature in nearby NNRs.

For 12 days, NNRs across the country will be bustling with activities, including a number in Wyre Forest NNR in Worcestershire in partnership with Forestry England.

Among these are a dawn chorus guided walk on May 20, a Moth Trapping and Butterfly Walk on May 21, a Woodland Management Walk on May 23, a Family Activity Day on May 25 and a Family Orienteering Trail running from May 20 to 26.

Visitors can also attend the 'Meet The Machines' event on May 25 and 26 to learn about forest equipment, from quadbikes to tractors.

The events are free and booking is required for some.

Information about the events can be found on www.NNRweek.com.

Emma Johnson, area deputy director for Natural England in the West Midlands, said: “National Nature Reserves Week is all about celebrating these special places and encouraging people from all walks of life to experience and enjoy them.

"We have some fantastic events taking place during National Nature Reserves Week suitable for all ages, including great opportunities for people to get out onto the nature reserves and learn about why these sites are so precious and how we can look after them.”

This year’s theme is ‘National Nature Reserves for Everyone', seeking to attract new audiences and people from diverse backgrounds.

NNRs are hubs for nature and protect some of England’s most important habitats, species and geology.