EXPERTS arrive next month to study the flora in an 18-acre field which local people hope will become a site for wildlife conservation.

Yorkshire Wildlife representatives will examine the land on the edge of the River Swale, at Catterick, on Saturday, May 8, and are hoping villagers will join them in the project.

Rose Heaton, of the Catterick Village Learning Centre, said: "Over the next few weeks, we will learn to survey and record wildlife so we can develop the area into a wildlife area for the whole of the village to enjoy."

The survey, from 10am to 4pm, includes establishing which grasses and wildflowers in the field and adjoining areas, and examining ways of encouraging others.

Projects in future will focus on birds and small animals in the area. It costs £10 to take part. To book a place, call (01748) 810050.