This survey provides a health check on the region's wildlife at the start of the 21st Century

Steve Holliday

Some habitats such as wetlands, heathlands and grasslands are in need of urgent conservation action, according to the report.

Steve Holliday, chairman of the Biodiversity Partnership said: "It's widely accepted that access to places rich in wildlife is important to our quality of life.

"This survey provides a health check on the region's wildlife at the start of the 21st Century.

Target areas

"We can use this to keep track of our wildlife: to identify success stories and to ring warning bells where species or habitats are under pressure or in decline.

"Importantly it also provides a base-line for the future.

"The region can use it to target conservation action to keep the region's rich variety of wildlife and wherever possible to restore species and habitats.

"Planners and decision-makers can play their part by ensuring the survey's findings are taken into account in achieving sustainable development."

The West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership brings together government agencies, local authorities and business and voluntary groups.

Wildlife groups, museums and conservation organisations helped gather the information for the survey.