Not all residents of Brownhills Common are as uniquely handsome as this fine fellow. Photo by Walsall Wildlife and posted in their Flickr photo stream.

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common. If you can make time, do toddle along on Friday at 10am and go listen to very experienced, knowledgable naturalists and conservationists talk about just what a special, rare habitat Brownhills Common is, and why it requires careful and measured stewardship.

If you’ve only heard the alarmists, it’s a good opportunity to go out and meet, talk and listen to people who understand the issues and love the wildlife.

The last event was very, very popular, and I commend anyone interested to attend.

Please go if you can.

Meet the Species Day: Heathlands

At Brownhills Common

Friday, 14th June at 10:00am

Walk on the wild side at Brownhills Common

A walk on the wild side awaits visitors to Brownhills Common later this week when countryside rangers hold a second Meet the Species event.

The free session on Friday 14 June 2013 will give people an opportunity to find out more about heathland wildlife at the popular spot.

Visitors will be able to ask questions about the management of heathlands, see some specialist heathland species up close and learn more about this rare habitat.

Brownhills Common has been under the spotlight following the announcement of work in the area of the common that is not a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Revised proposals have been drawn up that would see 30 per cent of conifer plantations thinned as opposed to 50 per cent of them removed altogether under the original plans.
This is in line with good woodland management practice.

The new proposals have been drawn up after public consultation events and meetings between Walsall Council officers, the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

Brownhills Common is part of the Chasewater and Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths SSSI. The SSSI is important for its lowland heath and various wetland habitats, which Walsall Council has a legal obligation to manage appropriately.

Final management proposals will be formally agreed between Walsall Council, Natural England and the Forestry Commission, and a decision is likely to be made later in the year.

Senior countryside ranger Morgan Bowers said: “The first Meet the Species event we held in May went really well.

‘Many people have questions about the proposed work and this is an ideal chance to find out first hand what is planned and why this work is so important.

‘It also gives us all a good excuse to enjoy some fresh air and exercise at this lovely site.’

Friday’s session runs from 10am until 12 noon.

Anyone interested in taking part should meet at Holland Park car park, off the Parade, Brownhills, on Friday.

Just some of the interesting wildlife that lives on our common