WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is looking into buying land near a Kidderminster nature reserve after concerns were raised about its future.
Land north of the Wilden Marsh Nature Reserve has been put up for sale for £425,000, raising questions as to whether housing development on the site might be on the cards in the future.
Calls have been made for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, which partially manages the land, to buy it and make it part of the nature reserve.
And now bosses have confirmed the trust is reviewing the whole area to help us make a decision on whether or not to buy the land.
Part of the site is designated as a site of special scientific interest, although historically, the land formed part of a wider industrial landscape.
The advertisment for the land said the site may be suitable for a variety of alternative uses such as residential, light industrial and open storage, subject to the necessary planning consents.
The site is currently occupied under a Farm Business Tenancy granted to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, but it is subject to termination with 12 months’ written notice.
There is also a management agreement in place, which may be terminated with six months’ written notice.
Michael Griffiths, a warden of the Wilden Marsh Nature Reserve, has raised concerns about the uncertainty of the land’s future and what it might mean for the reserve.
He said: “If the Lagoon Field was developed for industrial use, the effects on the marsh would likely be felt quickly – noise, lighting and increased activity along this quiet stretch could alter wildlife patterns, pushing some species further into the marsh interior.
“Residential development, on the other hand, would bring different pressures – more people, pets, and the gradual seepage of light and sound that comes with human settlement.
“Nothing is yet decided about its future use, that I’m aware of.
“But the sale introduces a moment of uncertainty, a reminder of how closely the future of Wilden Marsh is tied to the land around it.
“Worcestershire Wildlife Trust buying the land would be a good result for the nature reserve.”
Head of Conservation at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Steve Bloomfield, added: “We are aware of the land for sale on and around Wilden Marsh.
“The trust owns and manages land on the south of the marsh and, under a management agreement with Associated British Foods, we have also managed land to the north for many years.
“The land for sale by Associated British Foods includes the area of the marsh that the trust currently manages alongside areas that we don’t.
“The site is for sale as one block, so we are in the process of reviewing this whole area, which includes possibilities for wildlife as well as potential liabilities.”
