IPSLEY Alders in Redditch has been rated as one of the top five nature reserves in the country – and has now been shortlisted for the BBC Countryfile Magazine Reserve of the Year Awards.
The peaceful haven, just 300 metres from the hustle and bustle of Winyates Green and Winyates East, was one of just five nationwide chosen by respected nature writer Simon Barnes who hailed its charms.
in his citation for the magazine he said:
“Here in the middle of Redditch, surrounded by the sort of houses from which Harry Potter was rescued, lies a semi-hidden and rather reckless expanse of woods and grassland.
“Again, the context is the thing: wilderness where you least expect it, and where you most need it. I added Firecrest to the reserve list, so there’s glory for you.”
Local resident Julian Prouse, who helped show Mr Barnes around the site said: “It’s an incredible accolade for Ipsley Alders and for the town itself.
“One of the top five nature reserves in the country! It’s amazing but also true.
“When you look at the other nominations two are in Norfolk, which you’d expect, one is in Scotland and the fourth is in Wales which means that our nature reserve here in Redditch is carrying the flag for the rest of England.”
And he added that the prolific nature writer and TV expert was highly impressed during his visit to Redditch earlier this year.
“He had a bird sound recorder with him and he heard a Firecrest bird there and it was his first hearing of that bird in this country that year which immediately put him in a good mood,” said Julian.
The other reserves nominated are Blakeney Point in Norfolk, Kenfig in Bridgend, Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, and Cley Marshes in Norfolk.
[BLOB] The winner will be decided by public vote – to cast yours visit http://www.countryfile.com/ and go to nature reserve awards. The closing date is January 31, 2016.
