Nature site to get big clean-up

A nature reserve which was a haven for wildlife before becoming an overgrown eyesore is to be cleaned up and reopened to the public. Sweetpool Nature Reserve, Hagley, won a community pride award in 2002.

It had been given a makeover by residents but since then it has gradually fallen into disrepair and has once again been labelled an eyesore by residents. But work to restore the beauty spot is now under way after Hagley Parish Council assumed responsibility for the site from Bromsgrove District Council.

Parish council chairman Steve Colella said some residents would not even be aware the nature reserve – a semi-wetland and bog – existed due to its overgrown state.

He said: "Although the site has become overgrown, work has started to restore it to its status as a nature reserve. There has been pollarding and coppicing of the trees, repairs to fences and bridges and a large-scale litter-pick.

"It is the parish council's objective to restore it to a position that becomes a natural haven for wildlife.

"While it will be a nice quiet place to visit, the primary aim will be to attract walkers without adversely affecting or disrupting nesting birds or trampling on the wild flowers."

In 2002, villagers spent more than a year landscaping the nature reserve, improving access and creating footpaths.

The £3,000 overhaul included the installation of new fencing, gates, pathways, a kissing gate, benches and hedges, and railway sleepers were placed across the stream as a crossing.

But three years later, the parish council received complaints the beauty spot had again become overgrown and had not been maintained properly.

The nature reserve, in Sweetpool Lane, has been open for walkers but has effectively become a no-go area due to the overgrown shrubs and trees, Councillor Colella added.