YOU will be able to discover wildlife-rich areas on your doorstep, thanks to an initiative launched this week.

The six wildlife trusts in Wales are urging people everywhere to get involved with the first Welsh Wildlife Week.

The week starts on Saturday and runs to June 12. It promises to be jam-packed with events.

The scheme is taking place in an effort to make people more aware about wildlife areas in their communities and about opportunities to get involved with the local wildlife trust.

Depending on the area you live in, you might be able to become a dormouse detective, take a guided walk with bat experts, try some pond-dipping, or attend a wildlife gardening event and stock up the garden with native plants.

Events being organised by Gwent Wildlife Trust include a strong emphasis on gardening.

Gwent trust members say they are keen to get as many people as possible gardening in a way which encourages native plants, insects and animals.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: "With natural habitats like wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands disappearing at an alarming rate, gardens are becoming more important as havens for birds, mammals, amphibians and insects.

"There are around 15 million gardens in the UK covering 270,000 hectares of land - more space than is covered by all national nature reserves in the UK."

As a special incentive to get involved, membership is being offered from £1 during Welsh Wildlife Week, as long as you arrange to pay by direct debit.

Details of more events being organised by Gwent Wildlife Trust are available by visiting the wildlife week events page on the Wildlife Trusts' website or call the trust on 01600 740358.

Gwent wildlife events:

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Open Day at Magor Marsh Reserve, Newport, from 10am to 4pm. Explore the excellent wetland reserve and meet Gwent Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Guided walk starts at 10.30am but there's something for everyone all through the day. l Wildlife safari around the Gwent Levels, Nash at 12 noon, taking in Magor Pill, Rogiet Poorland and Solutia reserves. Booking is essential for these events. Contact Gwent Wildlife Trust on 01600 740358.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 Become a dormouse detective. Learn all about this elusive mammal and how to spot the telltale signs in a day-long workshop. Meet at Croes Robert nature reserve, near Monmouth, at 9.30am to 11.30am. Booking is essential so contact Gwent Wildlife Trust on 01600 740358.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 Bring the family to a wild family evening at Coed Meyric Moel reserve, near Cwmbran, from 6pm to 8pm. This urban reserve comprises woodland and meadow, scrub and brambles, and is an excellent place to see butterflies, birds and insects. More information from Gwent Wildlife Trust on 01600 740358. Hannah Mlatem