A STOURBRIDGE broadcaster and nature lover has been honoured for his lifetime commitment to helping wildlife.

Brett Westwood, who has presented a host of nature programmes for the BBC, has held a fascination for wildlife ever since childhood.

Anything flying, hopping, crawling or blooming captured his attention as a youngster and went on to shape his career.

Now a freelance writer and broadcaster, Brett spent 15 years working as a radio producer and presenter at the BBC Natural History Unit where he produced many programmes for BBC Radio 4 including Living World and Nature.

He also presented or co-presented the live series World on the Move and Saving Species and the “Guide to …” series about birds and their habitats.

More recently he has written the scripts for Tweet of the Day and co-authored the accompanying book with Stephen Moss.

He said of the award: “I’m really pleased to be named a Wildlife Hero. It’s a special honour to receive an award for enthusing people about wildlife, and especially from the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust who are doing so much to protect wildlife and places in the county. 

"I’ve been studying local wildlife for over 40 years and without the WWT’s support for places such as Penorchard Meadows at Clent and the Devil’s Spittleful at Kidderminster, a naturalist’s life would be a lot less interesting.” 

A spokesman for the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said: “Brett has been a fantastic advocate for wildlife for many years, raising awareness through both broadcast and print media. He has played an important role in recording wildlife in Worcestershire and inspiring others about the wonders of our natural world.

“In addition, he’s created a fantastic garden for wildlife, demonstrating just what can be achieved with a small area in an urban location.”

Brett was one of 25 Wildlife Heroes presented with an award by Colin Raven, director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, at a ceremony on Friday August 3.

The wildlife conservation charity launched the awards in spring as part of its 50th birthday celebrations.

Rae Howard-Louvaine, senior engagement officer for the Trust and organiser of the awards, said: “We appealed for nominations earlier in the year and have been delighted by the response; it’s great to know there are so many people that are doing their bit to help wildlife right across Worcestershire."

Wildlife Heroes receive an invitation to an awards ceremony at the trust’s headquarters, Lower Smite Farm, plus a certificate to recognise their contribution and a specially commissioned pin badge.

They will also be added to the trust’s Wildlife Heroes county map, featured on its website.

Rae added “Nominations for the awards are still open so we’d encourage everyone to have a think about who their Wildlife Heroes are and get in touch.”

Details on how to nominate someone can be found on www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-heroes or contact Rae Howard-Louvaine on 01905 754919 or email rae@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org.