Wild Worcestershire

Wilder schools

Do you remember your first contact with nature? Inspiring schoolchildren about the natural world is something that the Trust is passionate about and has been doing for decades. Recent investment means that it's not just children that are benefitting from the Trust's expertise. From pond dipping to soil auguring for children to deep diving into the curriculum with teachers, the team run a full programme of school visits as well as work alongside teachers to help them overcome barriers to outdoor learning. Host Lee Robinson meets Cat and Lucy to discover more about the importance of inspiring the next generation, what schools might experience on a visit to Smite and how schools can improve their own spaces for wildlife. Learn how harvestmen can make a difference to children scared of spiders and how a woodlouse can become a loved creature that a class is proud of. Find out more about the Trust's programmes for schools at https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/schools

History, wildlife and heathland restoration

In 2021 Worcestershire Wildlife Trust bought 95 acres of land in the middle of nature reserves owned by the Trust and by Wyre Forest District Council. This created a block of over 600 acres of connected habitat and the biggest area of heathland in the county. Heathland is Worcestershire's most threatened habitat - c98% has been lost in the last 200 years. Adjacent to the Trust's The Devil's Spittleful nature reserve, the Trust is already restoring heathland at neighbouring Blackstone Farm Fields and is now undertaking heathland restoration across the 95 acres of Dropping Well Farm. Join host Lee Robinson as he takes a walk through this amazing landscape with the reserve manager, Andy Harris. You'll discover how heathland has evolved, why carpet is often found on the site, why rabbits are important and how we see this habitat developing in the long-term. To keep up to date with what's happening at Dropping Well Farm, visit our heathland heroes blog [https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/blog/heathland-heroes]. The project has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Severn Waste Services, The Banister Charitable Trust, The Rowlands Trust, The Helen Mackaness Charitable Trust and generous donations from Trust members and supporters. Thank you.

Slowing the flow, creating the space

Wet weather has been on everyone's minds recently so join volunteer podcast host Lee at Chapter Meadows in the heart of Worcester city. On the other side of the river to the cathedral, Chapter Meadows play an important role in holding back water and slowing the flow. It's also a great place for communities to come together. Meet Beth, the Trust's Wildlife and Wetlands Officer, to discover more about the role of places like Chapter Meadows as well as Connor, Wilder Worcestershire Project Officer, to hear more about the importance of community involvement. Owner Tom Greenway talks about the future and Lee wraps up by chatting to students from the University of Worcester who are taking time out of their busy schedule to help plant a new hedgerow onsite. Connor's involvement at Chapter Meadows is thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the Trust support communities to help wildlife where they live.

Future conservationists

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has a long history of providing placements for trainees. Our alumni are scattered across the UK as well as overseas, from marine ambassadors to our own Head of Conservation and A Network for Nature Project Officer. In 2019 we changed how the traineeships are run; we now offer five part-time voluntary placements each year for people to learn the conservation ropes. School leavers, graduates and career changers have the chance to learn on-the-job as well as through numerous training courses. In our latest episode we hear from Owen, Lizzy, Sophie and Sam, four of this year's trainees, as well as 2020's 'graduate' Amy to discover more about the traineeship and the positive outcomes it can have.

Natural and community connections

A community greenspace near Worcester has been transformed thanks to an enthusiastic parish council and help from both Natural Networks and Wilder Worcestershire: Neighbourhoods Nurturing Nature. Bull Meadow in Fernhill Heath now boasts a small wetland, log piles, meadows, a tiny forest, hibernacula, boosted hedgerows and an orchard. Natural Networks is a partnership between Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Worcestershire County Council. It was initially funded by the European Regional Development Fund but has subsequently been funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and the Forestry Commission. Wilder Worcestershire: Neighbourhoods Nurturing Nature is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It's a three year project to help communities connect to nature and to support them to take action for nature where they live.