LOVERS of wildlife are being encouraged to do their bit during Wildlife Week which starts Saturday and runs until June 13.

Spearheading the occasion locally is the Kendal-based Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which is promoting a series of events. The first got under way today (Friday) at Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Hutton Roof Crags nature reserve.

Next Wednesday there is a wildflower walk on Drigg Dunes on the West Cumbrian coast.

Starting at 7pm and lasting about two hours, participants should meet at Drigg shore Road End, grid ref: SD 048985.

Boots are recommended and the contact is Bill Harpur on 019467 28546.

Next Thursday, there is a chance to visit Herdship Farm in Upper Teesdale. The easy 4km walk takes place from 2pm to 4.30pm with Margaret Albon, contact 017683 71040 for details.

Wildlife week is rounded off with a trip to Sandscale Haws nature reserve, near Barrow, on Sunday, June 13. The reserve warden is leading a walk starting at 11am.

Participants should take along a packed lunch, with further details about the event from Anne Evans on 01229-716744. Wildlife Week is billed as "a chance to discover Cumbria Wildlife Trust's valuable conservation work at first hand."