I FEEL I must address points raised by the letter of April 7 regarding management work in Habberley Valley.

As one who has watched the wildlife of this local nature reserve for over 30 years, I wholeheartedly applaud this vital work.

The valley is a mosaic of habitats, including small areas of lowland heath. The interfaces between this, and other habitats (as created by sympathetic management) are the key to its biodiversity!

These tiny fragments of the original heath are the rarest habitat type in Europe. One of the most significant threats faced by heathland is that of scrub encroachment, which shades out heather, resulting in eventual loss.

In fact, Wyre Forest District Council is legally obliged, and rightly so, under environmental legislation to prevent this.

Regarding other points made by the writer:

1. Adders are a vital component of the valley's ecosystem, and are seriously endangered, both here, and in the rest of the UK. Therefore, efforts to halt their decline are to be encouraged 100 per cent.

2. If these animals are left alone they will not harm anything larger than a mouse!

3. Habberley Valley is indeed "a beautiful place". It is not, however, a playground, a picnic site, or a dog park. The main threat to adders (and other wildlife) on the reserve is from uncontrolled dogs.

4. Habberley Valley is a local nature reserve. While people (including responsible dog owners) are more than welcome, the site is managed with the benefit to wildlife as paramount, and that of visitors secondary. Long may that continue!

5. If you wish to walk your dog/children in a sterile environment, go to your local park.

MICK COOPER

Truro Drive, Kidderminster

WE moved to this area in the hot summer of 1976, and on visiting Habberley Valley for the first time with our two young children, were intrigued to note that the majority of the other children there were wearing wellingtons despite the hot and dry conditions.

On inquiring the reason for this we were told that because there were adders around children were advised to wear wellingtons as a precaution.

As adders were in the valley long before we were, perhaps if we are not prepared to run the very remote risk of being bitten or take precautions against it, we should stay away and leave the adders in peace.

CHRIS JONES

Stourport Road, Bewdley