Conservation work to start at Habberley Valley

Conservation work is about to get under way to protect and maintain the ecological balance of the district’s much-loved Habberley Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Wyre Forest District Council’s ranger team will be on hand to oversee the work which involves improving the area around Pekkets Rock. This week three trees will be removed in order to help conserve the heathland and lichen based wildlife.

Ranger staff will be on site to explain the conservation programme and on Friday 31 January will be holding a Coffee Morning at the cafe to talk to people about the works being carried out. Just drop in between 11am and 2pm to find out more.

Next Wednesday and Thursday they will be tackling overgrown holly which has recently started to dominate and damage the woodland’s ecology.

And towards the end of February they will be thinning out the woodland and building on previous conservation works to make sure there is ample light hitting the woodland floor which is vital for the survival of the valley’s wildlife.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection Councillor Helen Dyke said: “It’s vital that we continue to conserve our local nature reserves and rich diversity of plantlife and wildlife so local people can enjoy them for generations to come.

“If you are free on Friday please pop in to find out what is happening and how the work will positively impact on the future of these beautiful outdoor spaces.”

The rangers will also be carrying out work on the Rifle Range Nature Reserve at the beginning of next week. A 12 day programme of work will include clearing and open up the historic firing butts and creating habitats for bees and other pollinators.