WORK to clear a wild 'jungle' in a former Worcester play park is not expected to begin until the summer after concerns about wildlife.
The 'wilderness' of Woodmancote in Warndon is scheduled to be cleared from August by landowners Sanctuary, working with wildlife experts, and could make a home for allotments.
The park had become overgrown with thick brambles and nettles and had fallen victim to fly-tippers. There was children's play equipment in the park but this was removed in 2008.
Diggers moved in late last year but work ceased over concerns about hibernating hedgehogs.
A pushchair, office seat, bin bags, a paint roller, toilet roll and soggy beer crates are just sopme of the items dumped in the encroaching undergrowth.
Cllr Jill Desayrah, Warndon's Labour councillor, said: "It will take over a year from start to finish with many exciting changes and developments being discussed.
READ MORE: Wild Woodmancote - work stalled over hedgehogs
READ MORE: Diggers begin to clear Woodmancote park
"Landowners Sanctuary Housing are working in conjunction with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and the local school and community.
"The plan is to clear much of the area.
"At the moment clearance has been paused to protect wildlife.
"Initially, hibernating hedgehogs were a concern and now there is the bird nesting season to consider.
"No intrusive works will be conducted until the end of August.
"In the meantime, there will be a survey of local opinions on how to develop the site.
"A QR code will be circulated through letters and by working with Cranham Primary School.
"Supporting the local wildlife and the provision of allotments are some of the ideas being discussed and we welcome other thoughts.
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"One concern is antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
"While everyone I have spoken to supports the tidy up there are worries about the misuse of the site.
"We will be exploring various options and ensuring that the space is owned by the local community is an important part of this.
"There will be a summer fun day in August 2023 on a newly cleared space with games and refreshments to encourage local participation in the planning.
"We would like this to be part of the Worcester Festival and we will be joined by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to discuss nature and rewilding.
"I hope people will be able to gain a better feel for the various ideas and the scale of the site."
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