THE FUTURE of a ‘special’ woodland in the Malvern Hills has been secured thanks to a £200,000 fund-raising campaign.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) has purchased the Blackhouse Wood at Suckley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and will now begin a long-term restoration and visitor access programme at the site.
The money was raised following a public appeal 18 months ago and applications to a number of grant-awarding bodies. Donations by WWT were joined by £85,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £40,000 from Severn Waste Services.
Kate Thomas, head of resources for the Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be in a position to buy this fantastic woodland and would like to thank everyone who has helped us to get here.
“With everyone’s help we have been able to seize this rare opportunity to buy and protect a piece of ancient woodland with its abundant flora and fauna, including the elusive dormouse.
“We are confidence securing the future of this special woodland is exactly the sort of action that would fully meet their wishes.”
The Trust is set to remove most of the conifers and restock the wood with native trees as well as additional planting of oak and field maple.
A range of activities to help people learn about the importance of woodland habitats are also planned.
Kate added: “Blackhouse Wood also fulfils a really important role in the wider landscape.
“It adjoins our Crews Hill nature reserve and is only one kilometre from one of our nature reserves, the Knapp and Papermill, both of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
“Buying and protecting the wood will have a significant contribution to the conservation of a landscape that links the Malvern Hills and the Wyre Forest.”
