The reed bed, which is on the Droitwich Canals, is home to hundreds of species from birds like reed warblers, reed buntings and cuckoos to herons, frogs and otters. On Wednesday 16 July one of our ecologists, Dr Mark Robinson, will lead a two-kilometre walk giving expert insight into the wildlife that make the reed bed their home.
Coney Meadow is the nature hub of the Droitwich Canals, a navigable 27-mile ring passing through Worcester and Droitwich. The canals were used throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth century to facilitate the salt trade, before becoming abandoned in the 1930s. Thanks to the work of local volunteers and organisations millions of pounds of funding was raised over the last four decades to restore the canals for wetland habitat and boats, culminating in the reopening of the full navigation in 2011.
Huge variety of species
Mark says: “The walk is a great chance to find out all about the huge variety of species that make their home here in Droitwich. We'll be pointing out their habitats and some of the key things to look for when you're out nature watching. If we're lucky we might even see some of the rarer species that live in the area, like water rail or kingfishers. There are few better locations to be on a summer's day, it should be great fun and I'd encourage anyone looking to learn more about our local wildlife to come along.”
The walk is free and will run from 10-11.30am starting at Salwarpe Church Bridge, on Copcut Lane. It's suitable for all people, with the terrain being rural path and roughish grassland, stout shoes or boots are recommended.
Anyone wishing to attend should email [email protected]
