Funding to complete Muckley Corner Common makeover

Muckley Corner Common’s environmental makeover is set to be completed thanks to £30,000 of funding from Lichfield District Council.

The money has come via a Section 106 Agreement from the M6 Toll Road construction.

Muckley Corner Common has undergone a massive transformation in the last 18 months thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Muckley Corner Common – who have been supported by partnership work between Lichfield District Council’s Countryside Team, Forest of Mercia, Wall Parish Council, district and county councillors, local police, Staffordshire County Council Highways and Rights of Way Departments, and Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

John Crowe, Chair of Wall Parish Council and the Friends of Muckley Corner Common, said:

“This funding is a great boost for the group, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the common improved even more.”

The funding will complement this work, and will be spent on:  

• An ecological survey to find out what plants and animals are at the site
• More intensive Japanese knotweed control
• Improving access by levelling soil and removing rubbish that was left on the site in the past
• Transforming the temporary pond into a better wetland habitat
• Providing new signs and information panels to tell visitors about the common and the improvement works
• Tools to help the Friends of Muckley Corner Common to keep the weeds at bay and paths clear

Councillor Neil Roberts, Cabinet Member for Development Services, added:

“Section 106 Agreements are a great way to fund community projects, and Muckley Corner Common is a wonderful example of local people coming together to work on a shared project. I am sure this funding will be put to good use and will further encourage the Friends Group to carry on their excellent work.

“To see the plans, and to find out more about local development projects that have been funded by Section 106 money, please come to our Section 106s Uncovered event on 27 May from 4pm to 6.30pm at Wade Street Church Hall.”

To find out how you can become a Friend of Muckley Corner Common, call John Crowe on 01543 371771 or email mj.crowe@virgin.net

Staffordshire University broadcast journalism student Luke de Costa went along to see what work the Friends of Muckley Corner Common have already undertaken…