Volunteers at work clearing watercress from Leomansley Brook

Volunteers have been helping to protect one of Lichfield’s oldest water sources.

The team from South Staffs Water spent a day clearing Leomansley Brook, which feeds Stowe Pool and Minster Pool.

Volunteers at work clearing watercress from Leomansley Brook
Volunteers at work clearing watercress from Leomansley Brook

Their work was part of a volunteering scheme run by the company and was organised with the Pipe Green Trust, which is responsible for maintaining the ancient meadowland the brook runs through.

Caroline Cooper, from South Staffs Water, said: “Pipe Green is historically and environmentally very important in our catchment area, so we were delighted to help out the trust with conserving its biodiversity.

“We spent the day helping to clear the brook which becomes clogged with watercress every year. This helps increase the flow of water which is vitally important for the maintaining the plant, animal and birdlife which thrive in the meadowland.

“It was a fantastic day. After a bit of a soggy start the sun came out, which made the job a lot more pleasant.”

Jane Arnold from the Pipe Green Trust, added: “We are very grateful to South Staffs Water for helping us maintain the brook. Active management is vital if we are going to sustain the conditions which have benefited wildlife on Pipe Green.”

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