Hundreds set to join Pepper Wood anniversary
Hundreds of people are set to descend on ancient Pepper Wood on May 21, to mark 25 years of caring for this irreplaceable 54-hectare (133-acre) wildlife sanctuary - right on Birmingham’s doorstep.
The Woodland Trust and Pepper Wood Community Group are hosting Pepper Wood Open Day, at Fairfield, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. There will be events and activities for all the family including scavenger hunts, a drawing competition, face painting plus practical demonstrations and guided nature walks.
Pepper Wood dates back to the 13th century. It is teeming with wildlife, history and offers visitors an inspirational day out. It is owned by the Woodland Trust but cared for and managed by a team of volunteers from the Pepper Wood Community Group.
Trust woodland officer Jane Thomas said: “Pepper Wood Community Group’s help is invaluable to the trust. Their efforts have proved pivotal in terms of improving the conservation value and the access facilities at the wood. The group gain a real sense of achievement from their work and they’ve a lot to be proud of! Reaching 25 years is an amazing achievement and it’s important to the Group that they share what they do with others and give them the chance to get involved too.”
Pepper Wood Community Group chairman Hugh Jenkins, said anyone could get involved in helping care for the magnificent site and insisted no prior experience was necessary.
He added: “We carry out a lot of management work at Pepper Wood in order to create a special place for both people and wildlife. Our volunteers are all enthusiastic and put in as much time as they can, but we are always willing to hear from others who can spare a few hours to help.”
The celebration runs from 11am to 3pm on May 21 and is open to all. Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Visitors are also urged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Pepper Wood Community Group: is a diverse group of volunteers who are interested in woodland management and in using it to preserve wildlife and increase species diversity. They carry out routine management at Pepper Wood following Woodland Trust guidelines within which the group has considerable freedom of action. Tasks vary considerably and include recording bird life, hedgelaying and footpath improvement.
Pepper Wood: Fairfield, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Grid reference: OS Landranger 139, SO937749. There are records of this charming 54-hectare (133-acre) ancient wood dating back to the thirteenth century. The wood is dominated by oak, birch and rowan is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It contains an exceptional diversity of tree and shrub species including wild service and both large and small leaved lime. Coppicing encourages wild flowers and
creates nesting sites for a wide variety of birds. A number of less common, local and rare species have also been recorded at the wood including thin spiked sedge and broad and violet helleborine. Views of the Abberley and Malvern Hills make the site popular with walkers and riders.
Directions: From the M5 junction 4, take the A491 towards Stourbridge. Turn left to Fairfield (B4091) at the first roundabout. Go past the garage in Fairfield and take the first right (Bournheath Rd). Follow this road to a T-junction, and turn right (Dordale Rd). The car park is on the right, after about 200 yards. Please note - parking on the site is limited so please park with consideration for others.
