If you see what looks like LED lights as you take an evening walk about Stroud this summer, don’t panic.

You’ve not gone mad, it’s just that glow-worm mating season is nearly here.

July and August are when glow-worms - which are not actually worms but beetles - begin putting on a show to attract a mate.

Stroud is one of the few places in the country that still has several hotspots for the insects.

"We're so lucky to have them - glow-worms can be really rare these days," says Clare Mahdiyone who heads up Stroud Valleys Project, a charity protecting wildlife in the area.

As they start lighting up around the district, SVP is holding glow-worm walks and talks.

The first is this Friday, June 22, and will feature an illustrated talk by Denise Gibbons, who surveys Gloucestershire’s glow-worm population.

Once her presentation is complete and refreshments are out of the way, Denise will be leading a walk at nightfall to see the glowing female insects in their natural habitat.

Walkers are advised to bring a torch and wear warm clothing.

The walk and talks take place from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and cost £5 for adults and £2 for children.

If you miss this Friday's, SVP are holding another on Friday, 13 July.

More information is available on SVP's website: stroudvalleysproject.org/index.php/walks-talks-and-community-events/events/754-glow-worm-walk-talk-2018