Work is underway at a public orchard in Worcester, popular with dog walkers, to improve the condition of the land and support the wildlife that lives there.
Aconbury Orchard is in Warndon Villages, near to Ronkswood Hill Meadow, and runs alongside Woodgreen Drive. It has been a popular green open space for many decades.
Worcester City Council is now carrying out a programme of improvements to boost biodiversity at the site while ensuring it remains appealing to visitors.
Two new wetland areas will be established in the western meadows, with timber and other natural material generated by the improvement works being sited next to it. These measures will boost biodiversity by creating an ideal environment for reptiles, pollinating insects like bees, and other animals and plants.
Bird boxes will be installed in wooded areas in the south-west corner of the orchard to provide new nesting opportunities for our feathered friends.
At the site’s northern meadow there will be a new pond, a home for insects, amphibians including frogs, and other wildlife.
A new fenced area is also being created, so that cattle can safely graze the land. The fencing includes new kissing gates to allow visitors to walk through it without any risk of the animals escaping.
Councillor Zoe Cookson, Chair of the City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “The City Council is committed to boosting biodiversity in Worcester, and these improvements at Aconbury Orchard will bring significant benefits to our city’s wildlife, plants and soil quality.
“We are making sure that the site continues to be a great place to visit, walk the dog or to simply get away from it all and enjoy the benefits that relaxing in nature can bring.”
The improvement work, which is being funded by Section 106 contributions from developers, is due to be completed by the end of November.
Aconbury Orchard continues to be open to the public while the project is carried out.
