A PROPOSED creation of a wetland area at Longdon Marsh has been criticised by a district councillor because it would bring little benefit to Upton-upon-Severn.

But a leading nature conservationist said there was reason to be optimistic.

It had been claimed the Longdon Marsh scheme would ease the flood situation in Upton, but it would seem far more sensible to create a wetland at Upton's frequently flooded Bury End Farm, said Coun Mary Wilkinson.

Coun Wilkinson, a former mayor of Upton, said farmer Nick Allen had been struggling for years to persuade someone to listen to him.

But Mr Allen has abandoned his application under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, saying it would not be financially viable.

"They would pay for me to re-seed with natural species, but they are not very productive and not suitable for a modern farming system," he said.

Restrictions

"It's a one-off payment, but the ground floods for so long each year that everything is killed off and you have to re-seed again.

"If I have to do that every year for the next 10 years it's a non-starter for me."

Mr Allen, who keeps dairy cattle at Bury End, said there would also be restrictions on the amount of stock he could keep and the compensation did not come anywhere close to making it a feasible proposition.

No agreement for Countryside Stewardship at Longdon Marsh has yet been signed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but the application by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is strongly supported by English Nature.

"I think the benefits for Upton will be small, because a major change in land use is needed all the way along the River Severn," said Dr Peter Holmes, of English Nature.

"Upton is picking up the bill for what is going on further up the river.

"Overgrazing of the uplands of Wales is allowing rainwater to run straight off the hills and lower down it runs off compacted ground."