Restoration work to clear bracken from three precious heathland sites across Lichfield district will be taking place next week.
Lichfield District Council’s Countryside team is warning visitors to Gentleshaw Common, Muckley Corner Common and Chasewater Country Park that bracken spraying will be taking place from August 24 to 30.
Reducing the vigorous bracken growth at these sites will encourage rare heathland plants, such as heather, bilberry and cowberry to grow.
Councillor Neil Roberts, Cabinet Member for Development Services at Lichfield District Council, said:
“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to anyone who may be inconvenienced because of the work. Your patience is much appreciated. It is really important that we keep bracken under control, because heathland supports a huge variety of nature including many rare species. Animals such as the Woodlark, Nightjar, solitary bees and wasps will benefit from the careful management of our sites.”
For more information about the heathland project, please contact Chris Walsh, Biodiversity Officer, on 01543 308186, or Justine Lloyd, Countryside Officer, on 01543 308164.