THE scenic surrounds of Castlemorton Common are being transformed in a major project being undertaken by Malvern Hills Conservators.

The organisation, known as the ‘protectors of the hills’, have been undertaking a massive scrub clearance programme as part of a Natural England-led scheme.

Having started in September, the Conservators expect to work through until the end of the winter clearing scrub from common, which covers some 750 acres - about the equivalent of 300 football pitches.

Conservation officer Rob Havard explained: “The common is what we call a wildflower grassland, and the scheme is really about improving wildlife down there.

“It is a very rare habitat, but unfortunately over time as grazing on the common has been reduced there has been an awful lot of scrub starting to encroach.”

Great care is being taken to leave patches of scrub for birds and wildlife, and a host of surveys and checks are being carried out to ensure the scheme is being successful.

Mr Havard also hopes that, over time, the project may entice two former inhabitants of the common - the lapwing and curlew birds - back to the area.

“They no longer nest there, and it would be wonderful in the long-term if we could entice them back,” he said.