A NEW book with a very personal take on Cheshire’s wildlife has been launched by conservation charity the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

It includes a contribution from former BBC North West Tonight host and Altrincham resident Felicity Goodey.

The trust invited 50 nature-lovers from across the region, including BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and the Independent’s environment editor Mike McCarthy, to wax lyrical about their favourite wildlife experiences as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

From familiar favourites like the barn owl and hedgehog, to the seldom-seen dormouse, each page takes readers through formative childhood journeys or career-defining moments with nature.

For the trust’s president and regeneration leader Felicity Goodey, it had to be ‘Ratty’, the water vole of Kenneth Williams’ ‘Wind in the Willows’ fame.

Felicity wrote: “He is once more messing about on our local waterways...and for the first time in years I saw that portly little bundle of fur and whiskers busily rooting about the river bank a foot from where I was sitting.

“Then with that familiar ‘plop’ he was off, a small victor in the fight to save our wildlife.”

The limited edition full-colour hardback is available from Cheshire Wildlife Trust via its website, or by calling 01948 820728. The book is priced at £9.95 with all proceeds going to support the trust’s conservation projects.