Tiddesley Wood Paths to Close for Wildlife Conservation in Worcestershire

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust will block some paths in Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore. These paths were made without permission, giving more land back to nature.

Rob Allen, from the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said the wood is special for wildlife. They already have four kilometers of trails where people can enjoy the quiet woods.

Walking on paths disturbs wildlife, affecting twenty meters on each side. This impact increases to fifty meters with dogs on leads, and one hundred meters with dogs off leads.

They plan to close almost six kilometers of paths so nature can reclaim them. The trust aims to protect the local wildlife by doing so.

Allen stated the UK faces an ecological problem as a nature-depleted nation. Wildlife needs peaceful places for life activities. Reserves help species breed and feed undisturbed.

Staying on marked paths and keeping dogs on leads helps wildlife. This ensures they have the space needed to thrive.

Building 300 homes near the wood makes this work vital. Balancing access and protection is a challenge, said Allen.

He noted that it is important for people to experience nature, but protecting wildlife is also crucial. Wildlife needs places where its needs come first to help reverse the decline in species.