Television presenter and naturalist Chris Packham is coming to Prees Heath Common Reserve in Shropshire on Thursday, July 19, as part of the first independent wildlife audit of its kind in the UK.

His goal is to investigate the extent to which the nation’s wildlife species are under threat and to meet and raise money for the local projects working on the conservation of wildlife habitats.

Chris will be starting in the Scottish Highlands on July 14 and will spend a fast paced 10 days travelling with his team across Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England, including Prees Heath, which is owned by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation and is one of 50 sites Chris will be visiting.

Chris said: “I need to see it for myself. I need to meet the people with their fingers on the pulse of our wildlife the length and breadth of the UK, those unsung heroes, the great British naturalists who know their stuff and are making a difference. I need to get a complete first-hand experience of the natural health of the UK.

“I’m excited and terrified at the same time. I love learning and seeing new places and species but I fear that I will also bear witness to a landscape in huge trouble. If just one youngster learns to love wildlife then it will all be worthwhile."

Members of the public are invited on Thursday, July 19, with the first activity for families to get involved starting at 8am and will provide a chance to look at the colourful moths and small animals found on the reserve.

Visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/PHbioblitz for more information and what is on offer.