TIME is running out for Redditch people to cast their votes to help Ipsley Alders win the BBC Countryfile Magazine Reserve of the Year Award.
The wildlife walk is one of few peaceful places in Redditch and is up against four other reserves after being nominated by nature writer Simon Barnes.
A boardwalk runs through the haven to where you can see water coming up from the springs below the ground.
When standing in the centre there is not a house in sight or any sound of the busy traffic just 300 metres away in Alders Drive.
Reserve officer, Andy Harris said: “I really want people to know what a special and precious place this is. The people who know about it love coming here.
“It is fair to say this is one of the best wetlands in the country and the other nominations are coastal so I feel just from that perspective we are something different and deserve to win.
“From a flooding point of view the reserve acts as a sponge which slows down the flow of water down stream. So it is vital that it is kept. “
And Andy believes if they win the award it will help preserve it for futre generations.
MP Karen Lumley has already voted for the Redditch wetlands and is urging residents to do the same before voting closes on Sunday (January 31).
She said: “I visited the site for the second time on Friday (January 22) and it really is a beautiful place.
“I voted for this site and would encourage others to do the same. It would great to put Redditch on the map for something different and to show how diverse it is with this just two minutes from the new town. it is exceptional.”
Visit http://www.countryfile.com/ and go to nature reserve awards.
