YORKLEY School’s nature and book clubs helped launch a new book about the wildlife of the Forest.

Blakeney-based author Andy Seed and award-winning local illustrator Kate Sheppard worked with experts from the Foresters’ Forest project, Forestry England and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The book entitled Wildlife of the Forest reveals the range of habitats and multitude of species which live in the Forest of Dean.

Andy Seed said: “The wildlife of the Forest is amazingly rich and varied, and so it has been quite a challenge to do it justice with this project.

“The aim was to create a book which brings alive local habitats and their fascinating plants and animals for children so that they come to understand and value the nature around them.

“The publication has hundreds of wonderful photos of Forest wildlife, many taken by local enthusiasts, plus high-quality illustrations and a bold, colourful design. I was particularly grateful for the detailed help I was given by experts in the Forest’s mammals, birds, reptiles, trees and more.

“They have helped make the book into something really special.”

Kate Burke, headteacher at Yorkley Primary School said: “We are so privileged to have Andy Seed living and writing about our local area, not only inspiring our next generation of children about the Forest of Dean through a love of reading but by educating them about the amazing wildlife and nature that surrounds us.”

Ben Robinson, Forestry England, says:

“Forestry England manages large areas of wooded and open habitat in the Forest of Dean, as custodians on behalf of the nation, helping support a vast range of our native wildlife and contribute to the local economy.

“From deer to dragonflies the Forest of Dean offers some of the best places to spot wildlife and learn about nature, I am delighted we have this beautiful book to offer children and families.”

Rosie Kelsall, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: “This book is a fabulous resource for all to learn more about the wonderful wildlife of the Forest of Dean. I hope it will inspire future generations to take action and care for their local wildlife.”

Foresters’ Forest programme manager Sue Middleton said: “We really appreciate the funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund that enables us to commission such an expert team to create this wonderful book.

It is part of our ‘Working with Schools’ project so we are able to give every primary school in the Forest 10 free copies of the book, helping children learn why our forest is so special.”

The book will also be on sale at local outlets such as the Coleford Tourist Information Centre.