A NEW book capturing personal stories about Cheshire’s wildlife has been inspired by a Runcorn ornithologist.

David Norman came up with the idea to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

The trust invited 50 nature lovers, including BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and former BBC presenter Felicity Goodey to wax lyrical about their favourite wildlife experiences.

Trust chairman David, aged 63, of Sutton Park, said: “This is a collection of personal stories and we’ve managed to get some stunning images to match.

“There are some real surprises but the message is clear. There is interest and joy to be had in our local wildlife wherever and whenever.”

From the barn owl to the hedgehog, each page takes readers through childhood journeys to career defining moments.

Broadcaster Mark Radcliffe, said: “I am thrilled to report that my garden is alive with the screech and chatter of tawny owls. I often sit motionless and entranced as they take their first exploratory flights.”

Felicity Goodey, said: “It had to be ‘Ratty’, the water vole.He is once more messing about in Frodsham, Warrington and Lindow Common. Th efirst time I saw that portly little bundle of fur and whiskers rooting about the river bank a foot from where I was sitting.Then with that familiar ‘plop’, he was off.”

Former physicist David, who has lived in Runcorn for 34 years, has always pursued his passion for ornithology.

He was on the national councils of both the RSPB and English Nature.

He also received the British Trust for Ornithology’s Bernard Tucker Medal in 2002 for outstanding contribution to bird recording.

He has been behind a number of wildlife books, including the acclaimed ‘Birds of Cheshire & Wirral: a breeding and wintering atlas’.The limited edition full-colour hardback of ‘Cheshire’s Favourite Wildlife’ is available from the Curiosity Bookshop in High Street, Runcorn, priced £9.95.

All proceeds will support the trust’s conservation projects.