NATURE lovers spread the word about the joys of birdwatching at an event in Ellesmere.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust invited people to the Boathouse on Saturday for the Wild Left Overs event, with was held to coincide with the Big Garden Birdwatch.

North Shropshire engagement officer Cath Price and trust volunteers encouraged visitors, particularly youngsters, to view the various birds that frequent the Mere using binoculars.

Cath said that the event was aimed at getting children and young people interested in birds so that they would go back to their own gardens and to do some bird watching and put some food down for the creatures.

"It's nice to encourage an interest from an early age," she said.

They could also learn plenty of facts about the birds and birdwatching from the display in the cafe.

Cath was pleased with the turn-out for the event, which had reached 46 by mid afternoon.

"We've had people staying for a good while and they're interested in birds, which makes it worth doing."

Another event was due to be held at Alderford in Whitchurch on Sunday.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual three-day event run by the RSPB, which encourages people to take a look at the birds that visit their homes.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is one of 46 such organisations working across the UK.

For more than 50 years the trust have worked with local people to make Shropshire rich in wildlife and protect special places for generations to come.

Our team of 45 staff is supported by 600 volunteers, who work together to help nature's recovery.

For more information about the organisation, visit www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk