95 acres of Worcestershire fields to be transformed into heathland in new project

The land between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport connects The Devil’s Spittleful and Blackstone Farm Fields nature reserves with Wyre Forest District Council’s Rifle Range, Burlish Top and Burlish Meadows nature reserves.

Now 95 acres of arable fields will be turned back into heathland to help support wildlife including the hornet robberfly and minotaur bee.

The land is being restored as part of a nationwide programme by the country's wildlife trusts, and Mike Perry, head of resources for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said; "The chance to buy 95 acres of Dropping Well Farm will enable us to create Worcestershire’s largest heathland, which will sit within 600 acres of wider habitat.

"This is our most ambitious project to date and is a great way of working towards 30% of land managed for wildlife by 2030.

"Last year we launched a fundraising appeal to help us buy the land and we received a wonderful response from people right across Worcestershire.

"We are just awaiting the final decision from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as to whether we have been successful in our bid to raise the remaining funds.

"Alongside hoping to buy and restore the land, we also plan to work with the local community to help train young people in conservation management and to help people understand more about the amazing wildlife that we share our world with.

"Worcestershire’s heathlands are very special places for insects like the hornet robberfly and pantaloon mining bee and we hope that, in time, we might be able to attract rare birds like woodlark and nightjar back to the area.

"These birds once lived in the area but the fragmentation of habitats has made it much more difficult for them to return and breed.

"One in seven species in the UK is at threat of extinction and 30% is the minimum amount of land that wildlife needs in order to recover."

For more information on the project, go to www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/heathland-hero