THE Malvern Bird Group has produced another beautiful book, Birds and Butterflies around the Malverns, 2012 Edition.

It contains records of the birds and butterflies seen by its members around the Malvern Hills area during 2012 with many exceptional coloured photographs and line drawings of birds listed and described in the book.

A total of 59 registered observers have reported 68 different breeds of bird seen in 18 distinct areas of the hills and surrounding countryside. During the year these sightings have been reported to other members of the group via an online forum.

The last 18 pages of the book are devoted to records of 46 different species of butterflies seen in the area and has similarly been composed by dedicated observers.

This book must be of interest, not only to amateur ornithologists and lepidopterists, but to everyone, young and old, who values our wildlife heritage. Being able to identify, even if only a few of these beautiful and wonderful creatures, must enrich the lives of not only those who live in the countryside but of everyone with a garden, no matter how small.

One cannot just look at a bird or butterfly without wondering at its life and having a great concern for its future in this increasingly complex and civilised world.

The book is now available (cost £5) from various outlets, including: the Tourist Information Centre, Malvern Hills Conservators, Malvern Book Co-operative, Lady Foley’s Tea Room, the Kettle Sings, the Elim Art Centre, the Map Shop, Ledbury Books & Maps, Three Counties Book Shop, Welland PO & Stores and the Birders Store, St John’s, Worcester.

To order by post, send a cheque for £6 (includes p&p) made payable to Malvern Bird Group to: Malvern Bird Group, 24 Assarts Lane, Malvern Wells WR14 4JR.

A few copies of the 2011 book are also available, by post, for £4.50 (includes p&p).

DUDLEY BROOK