HUNDREDS of Salisbury residents and visitors enjoyed a close encounter with wildlife on Saturday in the Guildhall Square.

It was all part of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s (WWT's) Country Comes To The City event.

Wildlife experts were on hand to speak about the range of animal and plant species and habitats that can be found across Wiltshire and what people can do to support the Trust in reversing the decline in the county’s wildlife, from wildlife-friendly gardening to living more sustainably.

The free event featured a range of family-friendly, wildlife-inspired activities such as animal face-painting, basket-weaving, and pole-lathing, and those attending also had the opportunity to see birds of prey, bees, and sheep close up to learn more about their important roles in the ecosystem.

WWT staff also showcased the wide range of projects the Trust delivers to provide a more sustainable future for people and wildlife and improve mental health and wellbeing through engagement with nature.

WWT chief executive Dr Gary Mantle MBE said: "Today has been fantastic – we were delighted to bring Country Comes To The City to Salisbury for the first time to speak to local residents about what we can do together to reverse the alarming decline in species and habitats across our wonderful county.

“It’s been really inspiring to see people of all ages and from all walks of life learning more about Wiltshire’s wildlife whilst having a huge amount of fun in the process.”

For information on how to support Wiltshire’s wildlife, go to wiltshirewildlife.org.