Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
Vicci Guest left the Lickey Hills Country Park at the beginning of November to take up her new position in Sutton Park. Vicci has worked on the Lickeys for some years during which time she has given great support to the LHS for which we are very grateful. We naturally wish her well and hope that she will enjoy her work in Sutton Park
Phytophthora is a fungus-like organism that causes disease in a range of plants. If left unchecked, the disease could change our landscape forever with the loss of many trees, shrubs and heathland plants. It has been found in all of the bilberry areas within the Country Park which could suffer severe dieback. The disease has also been identified in a number of Sweet Chestnut trees.
The help of all park users is urgently required to help limit the spread of the disease and protect the different habitats. We can all take some simple steps to help minimise the spread of the disease:
• Do keep to marked paths to help reduce the chances of spreading contaminated matter.
• Do pay attention to any site notices – infected areas may be signed or cordoned off.
• Do clean your footwear – remove soil and plant debris from footwear after each visit.
• Dog walkers – use designated paths and clean your dog’s paws after each visit.
• Cyclists – keep on designated cycle routes and clean tyres after each visit.
• Do avoid taking plants or cuttings off site as this could spread the infection.
Please follow these guidelines as there is a risk that if the disease spreads, there is a real danger of losing the unique habitats and bilberry of the Lickey Hills.
The situation will be managed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (an executive agency of DEFRA and FERA) working with the Rangers and officials from Birmingham City Council Parks Dept.
The Lickey Hills Society (via Ranger Penny) have come to the rescue of our woodland folk. The recent weather has caused them to fall behind with current building work. They asked if we could help them out by funding the purchase of some new doors. We were only too happy to help and ordered the doors in the photo. Our resident handyman Pete then did a little work on each one to help them stand up to the Lickey Hills weather. Needless to say the fairies are delighted and can't wait to install them.
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