Volunteers praised as Wrens Nest nature reserve keeps Green Flag status

Volunteers have been hailed for their efforts in helping Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve keep its Green Flag status.

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley(left) with volunteers at Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve

A team meets once a month to pick up litter around the historic site and generally keep it looking tidy for the thousands of people who visit every year.

Engineering company Roger Bullivant has funded a flagpole, which has been installed on Birmingham New Road to proudly fly the Green Flag for 2020/21.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "As someone who was born and raised in Wrens Nest, I know how important the nature reserve is and how proud people are of it around there.

"Due to its geology, it has over time become a site not just of local importance, but of national importance too.

"The increase in visitor numbers reflects that, which is great, but it also brings its own problems sometimes with things like litter.

"That’s why I would like to personally thank the team of volunteers who give up their own time regularly to keep the place clean and tidy. Their efforts have proved crucial in the site retaining its Green Flag status this year."

Elaine Bouckley, secretary of the Friends of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, said: "The Friends of Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve are delighted that the site has once again retained its Green Flag status.

Essential

"This is undoubtedly thanks to the ongoing hard work of the onsite wardens, supported by our volunteer litter pickers who have had to accommodate the requirements of social distancing.

"During lockdown and Tier 3 restrictions, the reserve has attracted even more visitors than usual, keen to explore this site of international geological and industrial heritage importance.

"It is essential that it is maintained and promoted at its best."

Wrens Nest was one of 10 borough beauty spots to net the Green Flag Award this year.

Priory Park and Buffery Park in Dudley; Silver Jubilee Park in Coseley; Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge and Leasowes Park in Halesowen also all retained their Green Flag Awards.

There were also two new additions to the borough list, with Huntingtree Park in Halesowen and Saltwells Nature Reserve making the Green Flag list this year for the first time.

The Dudley Council-run parks and reserves are among more than 2,000 UK parks and green spaces that have this year received the Green Flag Award – recognised as the mark of a quality park or green space.