Taking wing in heart of Brum.

NATURE-lovers are closer to wildlife than they think, according to bird experts who have launched a new walk on the wild side within half a mile of the city centre.

A team from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds is taking enthusiasts on a discovery tour every Wednesday lunchtime from Victoria Square at 1.15pm.

Recent walks have discovered a mistle thrush in St Phillip's Square and a black redstart in St Paul's Square, along with a nesting pair of grey wagtail on the canalside below the BT Tower.

Charlotte Eva, one of the RSPB coordinators, said: "All too often, people ignore their natural surroundings and busy themselves without really appreciating the wildlife found all around.

"These walks provide the perfect combination of exercise and entertainment." The Health to Nature walks, which start from underneath the statue of Queen Victoria, aim to give office workers the opportunity to stretch their legs over 45 minutes, along with the chance for people to discover what diverse wildlife exists within the concrete jungle of the city.

For more information, contact Charlotte at the RSPB office on 0121 616 6850..