Before you jump in the car and head for the countryside this summer, take a stroll down to the Wom Brook and enjoy this fabulous local beauty spot.

 

 

Wom Brook, which gives its name to Wombourne rises on Penn Common and joins Smestow brook at Smestow. It is made up of four compartments each having a different landscape character.

 

The Wom Brook corridor consists of the water body itself and assorted vegetation banks. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust surveyed the site in May 2004 and it was found that an active colony of Water Voles is present on at least one section of the brook. Water Voles are in serious decline nation wide. The much loved endangered mammals are recognized in the local Biodiversity Action Plan, which identifies a number of other species and outlines recovery measures. The brook corridor also has a diversity of aquatic margin species as well as woodland species.

 

The brook corridor starting from A449 consists of a small woodland area leading down to a footbridge crossing the Wom Brook. From here the corridor opens up a little to parcels of incidental open space adjoining residential development. On this section there are a number of old Willows some of which have been pollarded over the years. The walk then crosses Mill Lane.

 

The section from Mill Lane to Gravel Hill consists of slightly larger open spaces fringed with scrub and semi mature trees.

 

From here on the landscape consists of slightly larger open spaces fringed with many matures Poplars, Alders, Willows and Oaks. There is a picnic area and plenty of space for children to play. Along these more open sections, habitats for a range of bird species can be found, including Kingfisher and Dippers. Older children and grown ups alike can enjoy exploring the area for many species to be found in this wildlife haven. You will find a list of what to look out for on the educational board near the foot bridge.

 

The final section from Millfields Way to Bridgnorth Road consists of smaller open spaces fringed with more dense woodland.

 

This picturesque area is easily accessible at many points through the village. There are pedestrian footpaths making it suitable for those with younger children (a major bonus to be able to walk easily with the pushchair - I'm sure other parents will agree!). The Wom Brook intersects with the Railway Walk at the Gravel Hill section and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal at the Planks Lane section, so is also ideal for those wanting a longer walking route.

 

So whether your interest is conservation, exercise, a place for the children to explore, or just a leisurely stroll through tranquil surroundings, visit the Wom Brook - it's right there on our door step!

 

Held on 1st Tuesday of the month at the Parish Council Chambers, Gravel Hill at 7.30 p.m.

 

 

None members are welcome to join in all activities.  The work parties involve litter collection and plant / animal habitat management.  For further information, please contact the Friends Group Chairman using the details below. 

 

The programme of activities / events for 2010 is as follows (Meet by the picnic tables at Gravel Hill at 10 am): -

 

Month	Date	Activity / Event
July	Saturday 3rd	Work Party
	Thursday 15th	Work Party
	Saturday 17th	Event - 'Butterflies of Baggeridge', with David Jackson.  Meet 10:30am at Baggeridge car park, next to the Ranger's office.
August	Saturday 7th	Work Party
	Thursday 19th	Work Party
	Saturday 21st	Event  - Wild Poolhouse, above and below water.
September	Saturday 4th	Work Party
	Thursday 16th	Work Party
	Saturday 18th	Event - Photographing nature, bring a camera and enter our competition.
October	Saturday 2nd	Work Party
	Saturday 16th	Event - Home entertainment and judging of photographs.  Meet 10am Wombourne Methodist Church.
	Thursday 21st	Work Party
November	Saturday 6th	Work Party
	Thursday 18th	Work Party
	Saturday 20th	Event - Discovering signs of Wom Brook's past.
December	Saturday 4th	Work Party
	Thursday 16th	Work Party