Last Friday Mark Garnier MP spent the morning engaging with the work that Natural England, as well as other partners, are doing to manage and maintain the Wyre Forest area.
A strong supporter of the much loved forest, Mark welcomed the opportunity to see the work that is currently being done to keep the area healthy. Considered one of the most important places in the UK for various species of butterfly, the forest's health is of national interest. Some of Britain's most spectacular species are found in the forest, including the pearl-boarded fritillary and the white admiral.
Mark met with a Senior National Nature Reserve (NNR) manager, as well as the Natural England Wyre Forest Area Manager, to discuss some examples of how the site was being managed, as well as how to keep local people informed and involved.
The forest, one of the largest ancient woodlands in the UK, is home to a nature reserve that supports an abundance of natural wildlife. Muntjac deer, polecats, otters and an array of birds are just some of the animals that inhabit the forest.
On this particular visit, Mark went to Town Coppice and witnessed several examples of land management first hand, including; orchard restoration, woodland rides, coppice restoration and an illustration of what will be happening over the next 10 years. This was followed by an insight into butterfly conservation within the area, particularly important given that more than three quarters of our British butterflies have declined in the last 40 years.
Mark Garnier said: ''We are incredibly fortunate to have such a beautiful and nature rich woodland situated so close to us, and it was an absolute pleasure to be guided around the site. The work that Natural England are doing, along with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and the Forestry Commission, is truly exceptional. The area has tremendous biodiversity and is of significant national importance. The successful maintenance of this forest is crucial to its long term health, and the on-going management I have seen here has been enormously encouraging. ''
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(L-R) – Saul Herbert (Natural England Senior Reserve Manager), Mark Garnier MP, Audrey Roy (NE Area Manager South Merica), Jenny Joy (Butterfly Conservation Trust), Fran Flanagan (Land Management and Conservation Advisor)