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First steps into the heath

The Devil's Spittleful nature reserve by Anna Tindall

Find out what it's like to visit Worcestershire's heathlands for the very first time...

There’s always something exciting about visiting a nature reserve for the first time, especially somewhere as diverse and fascinating as Worcestershire’s heathlands. As a new member of staff, I visited Dropping Well Farm, The Devil’s Spittleful and Blackstone Farm Fields for the first time in March and found that these sites provide a vital refuge for wildlife while also offering a special experience for visitors.

During my visit I followed the waymarked nature trail, which took me through a range of different habitats - open heath, grassy stretches and shaded woodland. At every turn, there’s something new to take in: the sandy heathland, the sounds of birdsong, the viewpoints across the landscape. I was lucky enough to spot buzzing solitary bees, starlings gliding overhead and lots of moths and butterflies fluttering by.

A photo of a lectern interpretation sign in a heathland area with a hill with trees on in the background

Photo by Niamh Burchell

The signage is well placed, easy to follow and helped me understand more about the heathland, its history and how Worcestershire Wildlife Trust manages it. I never felt lost but, more importantly, it made me aware that I was sharing a space with amazing wildlife like lizards, rare bees and priority bird species, such as yellowhammers and – one day, perhaps - nightjars.  I learnt how important it is to adjust our behaviour when visiting sites as precious as these. For example, the signs advised me to watch where I step because minotaur beetles could be raising their young under small mounds of sand in the heath. 

A group of soay sheep with brown coats standing in an area of heathland underneath some trees with younger trees all around

Photo by Andy Harris

I particularly enjoyed walking amongst grazing cattle and Soay sheep calmly going about their business. They’re not just beautiful animals to look at but they play a vital role in maintaining the heathland through keeping on top of the more vigorous species, such as broom and birch, that would dominate the site if they could.

With all this beauty comes responsibility. These reserves are special places and their future depends on how we treat them. If you’re visiting, you can help by following these simple guidelines:

 

  • Keep to the paths. This protects fragile habitats and ensures wildlife isn’t disturbed.
  • Keep dogs on leads at all times. Even the gentlest dog can unintentionally frighten wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds.
  • If a bird seems distressed or is calling loudly, it’s likely you’re too close to a nest. Please keep moving.
  • Take any litter (and dog mess) home with you.
  • Report anything concerning, from fly-tipping to suspicious activity.

The new signage and the purchase of land at Dropping Well Farm have been made possible thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as other generous donors.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund logo - teal coloured background with a fingers crossed logo and the words Made possible with Heritage Fund

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