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!

Meetings

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

Caring for the brook

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.

All actitivities are from 10-12 noon. For the work parties, please meet at Gravel Hill picnic benches unless otherwise stated.

The programme of activities / events planned for 2013 is as follows: -

Event	Date	Time
Work Party	Thursday 17th January 2013	10am
*Railway Walk: Birds and Trees*	*Saturday 19th January 2013*	*Meet 10am Station Car Park*
Work Party	Saturday 2nd February 2013	10am
Birds and Trees - Bring Binoculars!	*Saturday 16th February 2013*	Meet 10am at Bratch Locks
Work Party	Thursday 21st February 2013	10am
Work Party	Saturday 2nd March 2013	10am
*Fishing in Wom Brook at Heath Mill Bridge and beyond*	*Saturday 16th March 2013*	*Meet 10am Heath Mill Bridge - Millfields Way*
Work Party	Thursday 21st March 2013	10am
Work Party	Saturday 6th April 2013	10am
Work Party	Thursday 18th April 2013	10am
*Fishing in the Smestow*	*Saturday 20th April 2013*	*Meet 10am by Trysull Church*
Work Party	Saturday 4th May 2013	10am
Work Party	Thursday 16th May 2013	10am
*Butterflies, Bees and Spiders*	*Saturday 18th May 2013*	*Meet 10am at the far end of Hatch Heath Close, opposite Westfield School*
Work Party	Saturday 1st June 2013	10am
*Recording insects and butterflies etc*	*Saturday 15th June 2013*	*Meet 10am by Pooh Bridge*
Work Party	Thursday 20th June 2013	10am
*Judging the photographic competition and choosing pictures for the Wom Brook 2014 calendar!*	*Saturday 6th July 2013*	*Meet 10am at Wombourne Methodist Church*