Heathlands and Acid Grasslands
HABBERLEY VALLEY
Habberley Valley is a Local Nature Reserve of 27.5 hectares.
Situated to the North West of Kidderminster and to the North East
of Bewdley, (National Grid Reference SO 803777).
This sandstone valley contains open acid grassland, remnant lowland
heathland, birch and oak woodland, (containing areas of bilberry
under storey), mature woodland and ancient semi-natural woodland.
Large sandstone outcrops provide magnificent relief.
The site has a visitor/interpretation centre open during the school
holidays, two way marked circular walks (links leaflet) and a
permanent orienteering course. Habberley Valley has also a
beautiful guided trail that leads out into the surrounding
countryside.
Management Objectives
To conserve the balance of habitats and to ensure that the
recreational demands on the site are sustainable.
Management aims
- Maintain and improve access to allow a sustainable use of the
site.
- To retain and increase heathland areas.
- Improve the woodland grassland boundaries.
- Maintain and manage bilberry woods.
- Thin woodland leaving deadwood.
- Control bracken and maintain area of hazel coppice.
Map of Habberley Valley
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317
2006
BURLISH TOP
Burlish Top is a Local Nature Reserve of 35 hectares. It is
situated on the South Kidderminster, North Stourport-on-Severn
boundaries, National Grid Reference SO 809739.
This reserve is a large area of lowland heath. Remnants of World
War II army hospital with nationally advertised easy going trail.
Most northwesterly site for nightingale in Europe.
To the northwest the site links up to the Rifle Range,
(SSSI).
During the Second World War the site housed a US army hospital
camp, and the concrete paths that remain make the site wheelchair
accessible. The site has a way marked Easy Going Trail and viewing
platform.
The habitat of Burlish Top is lowland heath and acid grassland, and
scrubs with some oak and birch woodland.
Management Objectives
The active conservation of the lowland heath habitat, to raise
public image of the site and to control scrub invasion.
Management Aims
- To maintain, restore and increase the heathland-thin the oak
woodland-maintain the birch woodland leaving standing deadwood to
actively-manage scrubland-to maintain and improve provisions for
public access.
Map of Burlish Top
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317
2006
RIFLE RANGE
The Rifle Range is a 34-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest
located 2 km south west of Kidderminster, National Grid Reference
SO 810 750.
The Rifle Range is adjoined to the west by the Devil's Spittlefall
Nature Reserve which is managed by Worcestershire Wild Life Trust.
There is no physical boundary between the sites and between them
they represent one of the largest areas of this internationally
rare lowland heath habitat in Worcestershire. Rifle Range contains
a way marked bridle route.
The site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to
its lowland heathland habitat of oak and birch woodland
interspersed with open areas of heather and grassland.
Management Objectives
The conservation and enhancement of habitat, and continual
improvement of the sites image. To encourage informal recreation on
the site.
Management aims
- To safeguard all notable species.
- Maintain, consolidate and enhance existing habitats.
- To increase scientific understanding of the site.
Map of Rifle Range
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317
2006
HALF CROWN WOODS
Half Crown Woods is a small nature reserve only measuring 5
hectares in size. Although only small it has areas of dense
woodland as well as patches of acid grassland. It is situated in
Stourport, on the Walshes estate and it is only a 5-minute walk
away from Redstone Marsh (LNR).
Being situated within an a dense housing area it is well used for
informal recreation by the surrounding residents. There is also a
local school at the back of the site which uses the site for
educational purposes.
Management Objectives
Insure easy and pleasant access for the local community
Management aims
Improve the sites image.
Continue to educate users of the site about what a nature reserve
can offer to them, and why they are important resources.
Map of Half Crown Woods
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317
2006
VICARAGE FARM HEATH
Vicarage Farm Heath is an area of Lowland heath situated 2.5km
south of Kidderminster. It is located a short walk away from
Burlish Top (LNR), much like Half Crown Woods it is surrounded by a
housing estate and is therefore heavily used by locals for informal
recreation.
Vicarage Farm Woods, much like Burlish Top and Rifle Range, is a
highly important area of lowland heath and due to the international
importance of Lowland Heaths, these sites are prized by the Ranger
Service.
Management Objectives
Conserve lowland heath and enhance the site profile with local
community.
Management aims
- Deter illegal activities.
- Declare site Local Nature Reserve.
Map of Vicarage Farm Heath
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317
2006
