WORK to improve both meadows and woodland edge habitat at a popular nature reserve is about to begin.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, owners of The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve at Alfrick Pound, will remove overhanging trees from around the meadow edges.

This will increase the amount of light available to the wildflowers that grow in the area, as well as create structured scrubby edges to the woodland.

The work will improve the habitat for both meadow and woodland species and will take place over two winters to spread out the impact on the site.

James Hitchcock, conservation officer responsible for the reserve, said: “It’s been a few years since we’ve done work on this scale at The Knapp and Papermill and the work may initially seem severe. However, it’s absolutely essential for the wildlife.

“We’ll be removing overhanging trees from the woodland edges along the southern edge of Tor Meadow.

“All this will allow more light onto the meadows and the edges of the woodland floor. In turn this will encourage more wildflowers to grow, which support a whole array of insects and other wildlife.

“Heavy shading and leaf drop suppresses open meadow species such as green-winged orchids and knapweed, and increases the growth of more vigorous grasses and brambles that will smother these unusual plants.”

The work, which will be completed by a small team of experienced foresters, differs from the normal management that is carried by a team of volunteers and a local coppice worker.

The ancient woodland areas are managed to provide a range of ages and structures in the trees, shrubs and ground flora. This ensures a constant variety of habitats that benefit wildlife such as dormice, white admiral butterflies and pied flycatchers.

Woodland edge that will be created as part of this work will provide corridors of scrub, allowing wildlife to move between the different habitats of woodland and meadows.

Mr Hitchcock added: “This work, in part funded by the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is part of the ongoing restoration and management of this beautiful nature reserve nestled in the valley of the Leigh Brook.

“If this work is not carried out, the decline in number and variety of species in the meadows is inevitable.

“In addition to the benefit of the meadow species, an astonishing 90 per cent of woodland wildlife can be found along rides and edges so this really is a win-win situation.

“Along with encouraging visitors to keep dogs on leads and not straying from the paths, this work really gives us a great opportunity to give our wildflowers and all the species that rely on them a real helping hand.”

The Knapp and Papermill is a 67-hectare nature reserve featuring a river, orchard, meadows and woodland.

Work is expected to begin in mid March and will last for approximately 10 days. The trust is advising all visitors to The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve to heed any notices on site and follow diversions where necessary.

For more information visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk