Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
On 16th April the Rangers discovered an unexpected visitor under the bin inside the Visitor Centre - a small common lizard. After sitting there being admired by the Rangers it was taken up to the heathland and released nto its natural habitat.
It seems to have lost the end of its tail so maybe a bird caught it and then it dropped it near to the visitor centre. However it got there it is a reminder of the wonderful wildlife to be found on the Lickeys
In the spring, the Society’s committee was concerned by the apparent lack of action by Birmingham City Council (BCC) following the fire on Rednal Hill in July 2022. Secretary, Baden Carson composed a letter
setting out our concerns and this was sent to officers at BCC, local councillors and to the media. We are
pleased to say that the letter was well received and we believe that it has had a significant impact. Local
councillors from both Birmingham and Bromsgrove responded positively and it was picked up by the media.
Articles featured prominently in the Bromsgrove Advertiser, the Bromsgrove Standard and Birmingham Live. It was also included for a couple of days on the Hereford and Worcester section on the main BBC news webpage. Committee members were interviewed on BBC Radio WM and BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester.
In August, BCC approved and signed off a number of documents relating to fire management in outdoor spaces
including wildfire protocols. These documents refer to all Birmingham parks and open spaces. In addition, there was a very detailed document relating specifically to Rednal Hill with 14 pages of text and 13 maps. These documents should prove beneficial in preparing and tackling any future major wildfires across the city.
It is with great sadness that Ranger Dave Beardsmore is leaving the Ranger Team towards the end of this month. Dave has been based at the Lickeys for the last twelve years. In recent times, he has lived near Bridgnorth and so has had a very long commute each day. He has managed to secure a new position in Shropshire which will be more accessible.
As with all of the Rangers, Dave has been a great supporter of the Society. His ready smile, energy and
enthusiasm are quite infectious. He is a very practical guy and this was demonstrated on the occasion ofthe fire on Rednal Hill. Dave worked late into the night supporting members of the Fire and Rescue
Services. The photo showing Dave damping down after the fire is very typical of him.
He has always played a leading role in the annual Bilberry Wake and Wassails. Dave as the ‘Old Oss’ has
been a leading character in the mummers plays.
It only remains to thank Dave and to wish him well in his new role and we hope to see him back on the Lickeys in the future.
© 2024 The Lickey Hills Society