Nature lovers in Whitchurch, Wem and beyond are being encouraged to head to Prees Heath to take part in two vital events next week.

The two public events are scheduled at Butterfly Conservation’s Prees Heath Common Reserve near Whitchurch, starting on Wednesday, June 17 at 10.30am while in the afternoon, they will looking to remove any ragwort.

Then on Sunday, July 1, there will be guided tours to see the silver-studded blues around the reserve.

Stephen Lewis, Butterfly Conservation’s Reserve warden, believes the butterflies have already made a super start to the year and he is hoping to see how well they have done with as much help as possible.

“The Silver-studded Blues have got off to a spectacular start this year with many already on the wing, and visitors are coming from far and wide to see them," he said. "

"It is very pleasing to see that areas which were in arable cultivation and used to grow crops until 2005 are now being successfully restored to heathland, and are providing the Silver-studded Blues with much more extensive habitat.

"We are counting all the Silver-studded Blues on the reserve and adjacent areas to find out the overall size of the colony.

"The last time we did this in 2016 we counted 2,954 – will the total number be bigger this time?

"The counting is done by volunteers and anyone is welcome to come along and help – the more people who are involved the better.

"Clipboards, pens, paper and maps will all be provided, along with details of how the count is conducted.

"In the afternoon volunteers will be helping to remove ragwort."

For the Sunday, July 1 event, there will be a guided walk to see the Silver-studded Blues, starting at 2pm.

All are welcome and the event is free. In addition the former RAF control tower on the reserve will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 4pm.

Both events are free of charge. Meet on the access track opposite the turning to Steel Heath off the A49, and please wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

For more details of either event please contact Stephen on 07900 886809 or at phwarden@sky.com