Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
A new information board has recently been sited on Bilberry Hill alongside the Easy Access path. The board gives detailed information about the geology of the Hills including the “Top Six Lickey Geo Factsâ€. Did you know that magnetism locked in some of the rocks when they were formed tells us that up until the Carboniferous era (approx. 359 to 299 million years ago), the area that is now the Lickeys lay to the south of the Equator? This along with lots of other information can be found on the board. The board has been sponsored by several organisations including the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth
Heritage Trust and Birmingham City Council.
The care home in Warren Lane was closed at the end of January. At a recent public meeting, representatives of the Priory Adult Care Group, outlined their plans for the buildings, subject to planning permission. The Group intends to use the buildings as a residential Adult Mental Health Care Centre, catering for people with a range of mental health issues; depression, brain injuries, dementia and schizophrenia. In total there will be 37 patients, both private and NHS who will be treated for between one and three months. Some rebuilding work will take place but the building will remain two-storey as at present. Apart from the construction period, it is not envisaged that there will be any extra traffic using Warren Lane and there should be ample parking on-site. The Group is hoping to get Planning Permission during the summer and all building work is expected to be completed within twelve months.
Steve has recently gained a very well-deserved promotion to the post of Head of Ranger Services in Birmingham when he will be based in Kings Heath Park.
Steve was appointed Senior Ranger on the Lickeys and for the Northfield Constituency many years ago. Although based on the Lickeys, Steve and his team are responsible for the management of around sixty parks and open spaces in the south west of the city. He has been a hard-working and dedicated Ranger who has devoted himself to the care of the Country Park and its many visitors. Steve’s extensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the natural world never cease to amaze. This has been demonstrated over many years since the arrival of Phytophthora ramorum in the Country Park. Many difficult decisions have had to be made and Steve has worked hard to minimise the impact of the disease by being resourceful and inventive as he has worked alongside a variety of organisations.
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Steve over so many years. He has given his time freely in support of the Society and he has always been positive and encouraging in all the work that we do. There are many examples of this but the help given by Steve in the production of the ‘Exploring the Lickeys – Great Walks Book’ is a classic example. He was always on hand to provide advice and he produced all the maps contained within the book. Steve has also allowed the Society to use the Visitor Centre for a wide range of events, for which we are very grateful.
Steve has always given far more than is required of him, a good example being the excellent and detailed presentations that has given at the Society’s AGM for many years.
Steve will obviously be a very difficult act to follow and we give him great thanks for all of his work both on the Lickeys and in the local area. Currently
he is attempting to do both jobs and this is likely to continue until a new Senior Ranger is appointed. It goes without saying Steve, you will be greatly missed by everyone that you have worked with but we wish you every success in your new post which we trust you will find enjoyable and rewarding.
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