An inspirational Redditch man has been awarded a prestigious wildlife medal for his dedication to conservation.

Manager of the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust, Gary Farmer, is a lifelong naturalist whose knowledge ranges from birds to botany.

He was presented this year’s Worcestershire Wildlife Medal by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust for his work in protecting species across the county.

Mr Farmer said: “I have always been obsessed with the natural world, spending time watching and recording wildlife and carrying out practical conservation tasks both as a volunteer for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and during the past 20 years of my working life.

“I have always tried to give something back to nature, to help save some of the special species and treasured landscapes that are under threat and to encourage others to do the same.

“To be acknowledged in this way came as a complete surprise but hopefully shows that in a small way, I have succeeded.”

Launched in 2000, the annual award celebrates individuals who have devoted a significant part of their careers or lives to conservation in the county.

For Mr Farmer, he has a particular specialism in invertebrates having authored a book on Worcestershire’s crickets and grasshoppers and he is considered a county woodlice, millipedes and true bugs expert.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Chair, Christianne Tipping, said: “One of the Trust’s main goals is to encourage and support people to take action for nature, so it’s important that we recognise and celebrate inspirational individuals like Gary who have dedicated huge amounts of time to protecting wildlife across our wonderful county.”

To find out more about the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal or to view previous winners visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/worcestershire-wildlife-medal