A PROJECT encouraging people to stop and reflect on what wildlife means to them has been launched.

My Wild Life has been set up by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with the aim of inspiring people to make wildlife a part of their everyday lives.

The charity believes such an approach would benefit both wildlife and humans because contact with nature is good for us.

Wendy Carter, communications manager for the trust, said: “Many studies show that people lucky enough to live near and experience green spaces are mentally and physically healthier.

“The trust is working hard to restore and protect wildlife and wild places across our beautiful county.

“Through My Wild Life we’re encouraging people from all walks of life to share their personal stories about what nature means to them.

“From well-known people like Sir David Attenborough to people who live near you, hundreds of people are taking part in My Wild Life and we’d like to hear from many more.”

Becky Bradshaw-King, of St John’s, who has two energetic young boys, said: “Nature is great at taking care of us – keeping Billy and James fit and healthy.

“They love playing outside, whether it’s in the garden or in our local park.

“Of course, they run off their energy and get mucky but they also use their imaginations playing games and discovering more about the weird and wonderful wildlife they come across while they’re out.”

James Hitchcock, of Barbourne, who is a conservation officer for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, added: “I love getting outside to learn as much as I can about wildlife – from the common to the rare there’s a lifetime of lessons to stimulate and fascinate.

“We all have to start somewhere so I’d advise everyone to lace up their boots, maybe grab a simple ID guide and take some time to see the nature that’s all around us - you never know what you might learn.”

Georgina Pickett, of Redhill, is connecting with nature by making sure she has views from her office windows.

She said: “Having a view of nature from my both my work and home offices is really important – not only do I get inspiration from the views but on those days where lots of challenges come my way it also helps me to stay calm.”

Sir David Attenborough, The Wildlife Trusts’ president emeritus, has travelled the world in search of wildlife but in London, where he lives, he can watch stag beetles flying in his garden and marvel at ancient trees in London’s parks.

He said: “Contact with nature should not be the preserve of the privileged. It is critical to the personal development of our children.

“People turn to nature in moments of joy and in moments of sadness. We are part of the natural world: we depend on it for the air we breathe and the food we eat.”

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to share their own story or wildlife and wild places that matter to them and why, using #MyWildLife on twitter, facebook and instagram.

For more information visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk.