Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's warning to nature reserve visitors

The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve, Tiddesley Wood (the Harry Green Reserve) and Monkwood are just some of the nature reserves that are right on our doorstep.

However, before you flock to one on the next sunny day, the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust have some advice for people before they embark on their journey.  

Since lockdown last year, these beautiful but sensitive places have seen massive increases in visitors.

In addition to the impact on the nature reserves themselves, the number of cars travelling to the nature reserves is causing issues for neighbours and other road-users. 

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is one of 46 wildlife trusts throughout the United Kingdom and their job is to protect the wildlife and natural landscapes across Worcestershire’s nature reserves.

Rob Allen, Reserves Team Leader says it’s great that so many people are wanting to escape into the countryside.

He explained: “It’s great that we’re getting a lot of people who want to explore the outdoors, appreciate wildlife and learn about why the outdoors is so great… but there are some things visitors should know.

“Our nature reserves are very precious and might be the last hangouts or area in the county where a particular species is found.”

“Nature reserves are not the same as the general countryside- if you treat them just as playgrounds it will have a negative impact on the species that live there.”

Rob Allen

Mr Allen explained that some people unintentionally cause damage to the nature reserves and the natural environment.

He added: “Some of the issues you might get are the trampling of flowers and plants at the edge of the path, causing the path to widen.

“We also have a lot of a problem with dogs- it’s fine if they are well-trained and on a lead but when off the lead they can scare nesting birds, hares in the field and other wild animals.”

He also explained that there can sometimes be parking issues which can lead to roads being blocked, leading to conflict with the surrounding neighbours.

He explained: “Some of our sites have very small car parks or no parking facilities at all.

“Sometimes we get thousands of visitors a week and they can jam up the road.”

Rob explained that this is a particularly worrisome issue at The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve where “there is really only enough parking space for a handful of cars”.

However, Rob wants to make it clear that this shouldn’t stop the public from visiting the nature reserves altogether.

Instead, he implores them to do their research about the reserves and avoid visiting at busy periods.

(Photo: Bluebells in Tiddesley Wood
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/3472887)

He explained: “Check our website in advance to see if the nature reserve or flower meadow has any public access at all.”

“We have some really sensitive sites that you need to ask permission to access.

“Similarly, If you get there and it’s busy, consider going to another site- widen your horizons and visit somewhere you haven’t been to before.”

While at the reserve Rob advises people to stick to the paths and keep your dog under control.

He added: “Don’t go wandering off trying to find rare species and trampling over everything to do so.”

Doorstep Wildlife

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is running a scheme where they encourage people to help people stay connected to nature from their doorstep.

They give you the resources to enjoy nature from home.  

On their website they wrote: “From our wildlife investigators who have provided us with spotting sheets, activities, games and more to blogs, recommended nature reads and hints and tips to help you help wildlife where you live.

“Follow the links to discover more about wildlife on your doorstep and ways to connect to nature as well as family-friendly activities to get everyone involved.”

Here, you can learn many things about birds, moths insects and even local animals that only come out at night.

To learn more, visit their website.