OPTIMISM is high after members of the Moons Moat Conservation Group (MMCG) formally re-launched the organisation and drew up a list of potential funding opportunities.
The volunteers are dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the ancient monument site which was once the location of a moated manor house in medieval times, situated in what today is Church Hill.
Top of the funding potential is Natural Networks, an EU-funded, Worcestershire County Council-led pot aimed at improving biodiversity and encouraging community access and involvement in existing green spaces.
It has grants from £2,000 to £200,000 at its disposal, offering 45 per cent towards the total cost of a project.
It’s a perfect fit for MMCG which has devised a 10 year action plan to clear up the site and improve public access to a piece of history on the doorstep of thousands of residents.
A bio-diversity assessment has been conducted at the Moat by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and their provisional report is very positive about the potential for the site.
“It sets out a seven point plan for work to improve different areas of the site with grassland restoration, bulb and wild flower meadow planting, formation of wildlife habitats- including bird and bat boxes – as well as the creation of a ‘woodland glade’ on council-owned land to the east of the scheduled area,” said Derek Coombes, the newly appointed chair of the group.
“MMCG is now working to turn these suggestions into a costed workable plan to apply for funding from the Natural Networks programme.
“That funding will have to be match funded from other sources and we’re looking for support from Redditch Borough Council and local industry sponsors to provide that.”
Meanwhile MMCG is continuing to work with its principal partner, The Church Hill Big Local Partnership, to progress plans for better signage both to and at the Moat.
