IN the aftermath of the recent 'Country Life' magazine 'Quality of Life' survey that marked the county down on virtually every category it surveyed, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust is asking for help from Herefordians keen to redress the balance.

Wildlife diversity and National Trust sites saw Herefordshire score just one out of five in each category in the survey, whilst landscape scored just one out of 10, which apart from being harsh, misses out on the magnificent countryside and everything in it, that Herefordshire has to offer.

Moira Jenkins, from the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust, which is based at University College Worcester, is asking local people to identify and let her know about scenically beautiful stretches of the rivers Wye, Lugg, Frome and Arrow, especially places where the rivers are eroding their banks or depositing materials.

Euro-funding help

The trust is working on one of the Herefordshire River Projects funded by European Union money through LEADER+.

The project is called 'River landscapes since the Ice Age' and aims to identify regionally important geological and geomorphological sites along the county's rivers.

Five trail guides will be written explaining the geological, geographical, glacial and landscape features that can be seen as you walk along public footpaths in the county. Interpretation panels will be erected beside the paths explaining the features.

It is hoped to involve local communities, parish councils and schools in learning about and helping to preserve the beautiful Herefordshire countryside.

Anything interesting or unusual, Moira Jenkins would like to hear about it on 01905 855184, write to her at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust, University College Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ or email her at m.jenkins@worc.ac.uk