Wetlands, Hedgerows and Woodlands

Habitat Grassland

The grass cutting regime within the park is reviewed by the Parks and Recreation officer to ensure the site is sustainably managed and maintenance can be relaxed to provide beneficial habitat. The sandy acid soils of the site will facilitate the creation of linked grassland and meadow areas to help support reptiles, small mammals and invertebrate populations

Habitat Management Plan

Created as a stand alone plan to identify specific criteria and management requirements and responsibilities relating to the water vole. The existing Brook course supports a breeding water vole population and ongoing light and targeted maintenance is required to prevent decline of the habitat condition. A number of opportunities also exist for both small and large-scale habitat enhancement to enable the site to support a stronger breeding population of water voles and these are being explored subject to availability of funding and resources.

Laid Hedgerow

Carried out in November 2010 the ‘Midland’ style hedge has supported the sustainability of the important wildlife habitat along the brook course. The denser and more compact hedgerow which results from the laying will provide an improved habitat for birds and small mammals while the reduced shading effect on the adjacent bank side of the Brook will encourage the growth of aquatic plants which provide a food source and improved habitat for water voles.  During the works Bromsgrove District Council grounds maintenance operatives were invited for on-site training to enable council employees to carry out this works on other sites.  This work has also successfully reduced the shading along the watercourse habitat.

Wetland Reserve Area

In Spring 2009, in partnership with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency a small wetland area was created to improve the habitat for the water vole population.  This has been supported with specific interpretation signage and a small viewing platform.  This wetland area has both increased the total amount of habitat by approximately 50% and is of far higher quality than previously existed. Surveys carried out prior to the enhancement works and once the habitat had matured 12 months later have proved the success of the works finding a 400% increase in water vole presence. In particular, the nature and distribution of the survey results indicate that the combination of more and higher quality of new habitat is able to support a far higher breeding population.

Trees

In 2000 a native woodland area was created to the southern aspect of the site, this has created a densely populated area in need of substantial thinning and coppicing.  It is our aim to use this need as an opportunity to works with local volunteers and community groups.  Further works planned with local schools and clubs.   The woodland mainly comprises of oak, ash, beech, Scots pine, hawthorn, blackthorn, birch and alder.

In 2011, local Worcestershire fruit trees will be planted alongside the eastern boundary of the site to improve the woodland habitat links across the site.  In addition to the fruit trees, an avenue of liquid amber will be planted around the changing pavilion to improve woodland links and the aesthetics of the site.