Work is set to take place to protect endangered heathland at Gentleshaw Common and Chasewater Country Park.
During November and December, people visiting the two sites will see conservation work on the rare heathland being carried out. Lichfield District Council will be conducting critical restoration work on these areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
On large areas of the heath, birch and pine trees will be thinned out, because unless scrub is cut back it will wipe out rare heathland plants such as bilberry and cowberry. A thick growth of trees would also prevent rare birds such as Snipe and reptiles such as the Common Lizard from breeding on the heathland. The council is also hoping to encourage heathland birds such as the Woodlark and Nightjar to return to the district’s heaths in the future.
Councillor Neil Roberts, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Development Services, said:
“We apologise for any inconvenience to visitors, but it is vital that we continue our programme to conserve our heaths, as only ten percent of the heathland once found in Staffordshire exists today. This is largely due to gradual encroachment from agriculture, urban expansion and the regeneration of scrub, which in the past was prevented by traditional practices such as grazing.”
For more information please contact Chris Walsh, Countryside Officer for Lichfield District Council, on 01543 308249 or email Christopher.Walsh@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
