Nature reserve at former church in Dudley
A community orchard, herb gardens and wildlife pools will be all be created as part of a new nature reserve being set up in the Black Country.
St John's Church Preservation Group has revealed its ambitious proposals for land at the back of the churchyard in Kates Hill, Dudley.
The project is part of a wider scheme to re-open the Grade II-listed church, which was closed in 2002, so it can be used by the community.
The group has been clearing overgrown shrubs and rubbish from a three acre site earmarked for the nature reserve which it hopes will 'create a wonderful local resource for families, for keeping fit, for countryside walks, rest and contemplation, bird and wildlife watching and picnic areas'.
Chairman Deb Brownlee said:
"The former allotment land on two sides of the graveyard lend themselves to being carefully restored to become a nature reserve and public countryside amenity." The group wants to know what the public think about the scheme. A questionnaire can be obtained by emailing savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk or from its sale rooms in Highview Street and The Old School House, St John's Road.
Responses need to be returned by June 9.
It comes as the group moves nearer to being able to start restoration work after securing permission from the Church Commissioners to take over responsibility for the building.
They want the church to be used for a variety of community and fundraising events.
While activities such as a play group and widow and widowers group are planned for the next door St John's School House.
In the future, they also hope, if possible, to develop the church undercroft into a cafe and local history museum.
As part of the lease agreement with the Church Commissioners, they will be allowed to have six Anglican services.
