Those with an interest in nature and the environment can pay a flying visit to Whixall Nature Reserve next week, for a discovery walk around the Marches Mosses.

The Marches Mosses BogLIFE project is hosting a free walk which will be running on Sunday, June 16 from 2pm-5pm at Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve, Manor House Base, Platt Lane, Whixall.

The aim of the walk will be to discover the dragonflies and damselflies that call the Marches Mosses home.

Stephen Barlow, a Natural England volunteer warden, said: "The Marches Mosses are home to all manner of plants and wildlife at this time of year, there is a vast array of colours, shapes and sizes and they are all intriguing.

"This amazing National Nature Reserve stretching across the Shropshire and Wrexham border is being lovingly restored as part of a five year restoration project called BogLIFE.

"With funding from the European Union and the Heritage Lottery we are repairing the damage that former industrial practices did to this internationally important raised bog – a healthy bog means healthy wildlife, so come and see for yourself.

"We should see white-faced darter, four-spotted chasers, large-red damselflies, azure damselflies, common blue damselflies, possibly emerald damselflies and even emperor dragonflies... depending on the weather."

The walk will be suitable for families for older children and individuals with a passion for nature and the environment.

The event is free but booking is advised and walkers are urged to bring a basket and some stout boots as well as outdoor clothing.

For further information and to reserve a place please contact 01948 880362 or email info.whixall@naturalengland.org.uk

Meanwhile; the nature reserve will also play host to a drop-in consultation event on Saturday, June 15 between 10am and 2pm.

This will be to consult with local residents on proposals for a new bird hide near Morris' Bridge and a water management scheme for the surrounding Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) owned fields.

A spokesperson for SWT, said: "We want to consult as widely as possible on these proposals and value observations and ideas from all interested parties."

In order to get the widest possible range of opinions, if people are unable the attend the event, they are encouraged to contact Natural England by phone on 01948 880362 or by email info.whixall@naturalengland.org.uk