A FINANCIAL bid to double the size of a much-loved nature reserve is close to reaching its target.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has raised more than £889,000 of its £958,000 goal to purchase an additional 45 hectares of land and expand Trench Wood, located at Sale Green near Droitwich Spa.
Trench Wood is one of the county’s richest ancient woodlands with wildflower glades and winding paths.
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It is a refuge for many species of wildlife including rare Bechstein’s bats, brown hairstreak butterflies and aspen leaf-rolling weevils.
Steve Bloomfield, head of conservation at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to double the size of an important and much-loved nature reserve as well as increase connectivity for wildlife in the area.
“Given the extreme heat we’ve had this year, and the changes to our weather that climate change is causing, it’s so important that we’re able to make places like Trench Wood even more resilient.
DOUBLE: Trench Wood Nature Reserve could soon expand if Worcestershire Wildlife Trust can gather enough money. (Image: Worcestershire Wildlife Trust/ Paul Lane)
“Being able to provide more tree canopy that offers shade for wildlife, ponds to supply water and more habitats to give shelter to species moving through the landscape is vitally important.”
The land the trust hopes to acquire includes meadow, semi-improved grassland, former arable fields, and hedgerows.
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If successful, the trust plans to restore wildflower-rich meadows, protect and improve existing woodland habitats, reinstate woodland pasture and create ponds, glades and woodland edge habitats.
The reserve is managed in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation.
Mr Bloomfield added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far, whether individuals, organisations, trusts and foundations or those who have left gifts to the Trust in their wills.
“Buying this land will help us to create more space for wildlife to move through, feed, breed and thrive.
“The expanded reserve will also offer opportunities for people to enjoy and connect with nature, whether through visiting, volunteering or learning.”
The trust is now just short of £69,000 of its fundraising target, meaning the charity could soon be able to double the size of the reserve.
Staff at the county’s largest conservation charity have been overwhelmed by the generosity of their supporters.
