Marshes and Woodland
Blake Marsh
Blake Marsh is a Local Nature Reserve of 5 hectares, (12.5
acres). It is situated 5km North West of Kidderminster, National
Grid Reference SO 817773.
An once extensive but now much reduced area of Marshland with a
rare flora that includes the Southern Marsh Orchid. The sites close
proximity to 5 schools makes it an important site environmental
education.
At the heart of Blake Marsh is rare species rich marshland,
surrounded by areas of woodland at different stages of
development.
Management Objectives
To clear aggressive scrub and allow light to enter the marshland
floor to promote a lush and diverse marshland flora to promote the
site to the local community as a beautiful and valuable
conservation resource.
Management Aims
* To maintain all trees in safe condition
* To develop the marshland habitat by:
o Selective removal of trees
o Repollarding of old willow
o Introductions of grazing animals
o To improve access on site through provision of boards walks
Map of Blake Marsh
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317 2006
PUXTON MARSH
Puxton Marsh is a 6-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest
situated ½ km to the north of Kidderminster Town Centre.
Puxton Marsh is one of the largest and most important areas of
marshland remaining in the country, and is a remnant of a more
extensive marshland once present in the Stour Valley.
The site comprises a large area of unimproved marshy grassland with
associated damp woodland and open water with extensive area of high
quality marshland with a flora that includes Southern Marsh Orchids
and a fauna of water rail, snipe and slow worms.
Management Objectives
To maintain and improve the marshland habitat and to link the site
with other areas of marshland in the Stour Valley.
Management aims
* To maintain and enhance existing marshland including grazing of
marshy grassland link to GAP to improve floristic diversity.
* To manage the wet woodland; increase the area of marshland;
improve provisions for public access.
Map of Puxton Marsh
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317 2006
REDSTONE MARSH
Redstone Marsh is a 7 hectare Local Nature Reserve situated 1km
south of the centre of Stourport-on-Severn, on the west bank of the
River Severn, National Grid Reference SO 810083.
The site consists of two different areas, effectively divided by a
footpath running northwest to southeast. The eastern section
contains low-lying marshland, wet woodland and wet meadows. The
western section consists of a smaller area of dry woodland and
scrub rising steeply westwards.
Management Objectives
To preserve and enhance the quality of the Marshland. To raise
public awareness of the importance of this site.
Management aims
- To conserve and increase the marshland.
- Manage the wet meadows to increase species diversity.
- Manage dry woodland (including the restoration of old hazel
coppice).
- Improve public access to the site and provide disabled
access.
- To manage the Himalayan balsam.
Map of Redstone Marsh
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317 2006
SPENNELLS VALLEY
Spennells Valley is a Local Nature Reserve of 15.7 hectares
situated to the south east of Kidderminster, National Grid
Reference SO 843749.
This fragmented site is located along the banks of the Hoo Brook
and its tributaries, interspersed between the Spennells Valley
housing estate. The stretch of the Hoo Brook running through the
site has had recent records of the now near extinct water
vole.
Spennells Valley contains marshland and damp woodland dominated by
alder and willow, but also fine examples of nationally rare black
poplar. The extensive wetland areas on this site form an important
link between Wilden Marsh SSSI to the south and the pools of the
Upper Hoo Brook to the north.
The site has a way marked circular board walk and is used
extensively by local residents. A circular trail into the wider
countryside is currently being developed.
Management Objectives
Continue works to improve ease of access and the quality of the
Marshland.
Management aims
- To maintain and improve the existing marshland.
- To manage the wet and dry woodlands to increase species and age
structure.
- To manage the wet meadows and maintain the rich flora in the
grassland areas
- Improve public access and further provide the propagation of
native Black Poplars.
Map of Spennells Valley
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317 2006
HURCOTT POOLS AND WOOD
Hurcott is a Beautiful local nature reserve which incorporates the
largest area of SSSI wet woodland in the county. It is situated
just west of Kidderminster, National Grid Reference SO 857
780.
The reserve is 50 hectares in size, and within this area are
various types of woodland, ranging from Hickory and Larch planted
woodlands through to beautiful Chestnut groves. There are also a
series of pools on site, the largest being situated along side the
main pathway into the site. The pool is a spectacular site and is a
haven for bird life.
Management Objectives
To survey and improve the quality of the wet woodland.
Management aims
- To manage the surrounding mixed woodland as an amenity for
people to enjoy informal recreation.
Map of Hurcott Pools and Wood
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100018317 2006
