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The Knapp and Papermill temporary closure

Common spotted orchids at The Knapp and Papermill by Paul Lane

Vital work to repair an access track at a nature reserve will result in a closure of the site and of the adjacent road for one week in October.

The main access track onto The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve, in Alfrick Pound, has developed a large crack along its length above the Leigh Brook. This means that Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, the owners of the reserve, are unable to get vehicles onto the site, hindering their ability to manage the important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The first phase of works to repair the path will cause the closure of both the popular nature reserve and the road at Bridges Stone, adjacent to the track.

A large crack runs up the left side of the photo and is roped off to the right by traffic cones and taping.

The crack in the track at The Knapp and Papermill by Dominique Cragg

Rob Allen, Reserves Team Leader, explained “The crack appeared two years ago and we’ve liaised with a number of civil engineering companies to try to find the best solution, both for our access to the nature reserve and for the long-term stability of the adjacent road.

“We now have a solution and the first phase involves cutting down trees on the steep bank between the track and the brook. Increasingly frequent and strong storms have uprooted a number of trees, which has further undermined the bank’s stability. 

“To reduce this risk in the future, we will be effectively coppicing the trees on the bank – cutting them down almost to ground level. Most will regrow but we’ll manage this regrowth on a 15 to 20 year rotation to ensure they don’t get too tall or heavy.

“We would prefer not to fell the trees but we have no other choice. The new growth will be richer in flowers and berries as well as scrubby patches for nesting birds. We have already installed both bat and bird nest boxes on the nature reserve to compensate for any habitat loss.”

The felling will be done by hand but because of the nature of the site and the damage to the track, machinery will need to be on the road to remove and process the timber. 

The tree felling will take place during week commencing 27th October and has been planned to coincide with half-term week to reduce the effect of the road closure for school and commuting traffic. 

The timing of the second phase has not yet been confirmed but is likely to be in spring 2026.

Rob added “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and to thank local residents in advance for their patience whilst this crucial work takes place.” 

You can find out the details of the road closure on Worcestershire County Council's roadworks and live updates website.

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