West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has signed up to support work to protect a rare beetle which lives in her rural constituency. The Violet Click Beetle lives in a secluded part of Bredon Hill and Harriett has agreed to support efforts to protect the endangered insect. Click Beetles are born as larvae in the roots of Beech and Ash trees and eat Hawthorn flowers. They are so named for their ability to flip themselves into the air when upside down – making a ‘clicking’ sound. Harriett was briefed on the beetle – and other endangered UK species – at an event in Westminster this week. Harriett commented: “We are lucky to live in the most beautiful rural countryside and I have been briefed about a specific beetle which lives on Bredon Hill and which needs protecting. “There are only three sites in the UK where the Violet Click Beetle is known to live so I was keen to sign up and do what I can to help this species. “Ancient trees are one of the UK’s most important and special wildlife habitats - supporting over 1800 different species of insects. “In West Worcestershire, we have rivers, hills and woodland which provide a home to many notable species and I was happy to encourage the efforts of groups who work to preserve our precious countryside.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP lends her support to the Violet Click Beetle with campaigner Andrew Whitehouse.