Hodge Lane Conservation Group, recently celebrated their 20th anniversary of volunteering to look after the Hodge Lane Local Nature Reserve. An event was held at the reserve on Sunday 24 September when residents got together in the hawthorn wood area . The group, some past and present members, all enjoyed time together around the campfire. They chatted, and shared stories, food, a cuppa, toasted marshmallows and even managed a swing in the hammocks! 

Some of the group have been helping out since 2003, dedicating a day every month to maintain the reserve, which is owned by Tamworth Borough Council. Joining forces with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild About Tamworth project, the group set about to transform the reserve, making it more accessible for walkers and families by installing a series of pathways leading to the pool and the woods. They also had bollards installed, to thwart unauthorised use by vehicles and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Sheryl Hayes, Community Engagement Officer for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The commitment and longstanding dedication of this group is truly incredible; thank you to you all. Marking the occasion with the group at their celebration event was very humbling, we shared a toast to all the amazing work they do, and left the woodland, happy, and as we found it. 

“The group have worked together to make sure that Hodge Lane Nature Reserve is an oasis, a space dedicated for nature but for people to enjoy too. The legendary George and late Maurice Arnold were driving forces behind this group, responsible for inspiring so many others to get involved in caring for local nature. If every area had such people, and a group like the Hodge Lane volunteers, the county would be a much wilder place.”

Andrew Barratt, Chief Executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The Hodge Lane conservation site, is one of Tamworth’s beautiful nature reserves and we’re delighted to celebrate the local volunteer’s 20 years of hard work looking after the reserve.

“Tamworth Borough Council joined forces with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild About Tamworth project, back in 2003 and since then the group, along with volunteers and our Street Scene team, have dedicated their time to transform and maintain the reserve, making it more accessible and a dedicated wildlife space for walkers and families to enjoy.

"We value and thank the volunteers for their priceless support and for working to help keep our local green spaces beautiful."
 

Ten years ago (2013) the group was honoured by receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Some members have since died or moved from the area, but their hard work is remembered and carried on by the current team.

The group continues to care for the reserve, carrying out maintenance work on trees, and ground management. They have also introduced flora and other occasional surveys to monitor how the land and wildlife, butterflies, moths, insects are surviving. Importantly they have fun, exercise and enjoy the friendships formed. The volunteers work in harmony with Street Scene at Tamworth Borough Council and the Trust's Community Engagement Officer, Sheryl, who draws up the management plan. 

Tamworth has seen many changes including expansion but as a borough has now eight wildlife areas which are all monitored by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and cared for by volunteers. It is hoped that newcomers will join in and get involved in caring for their local wild spaces.

To find out more about the Wild About Tamworth project visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/get-involved/adults/local-groups/wild-about-tamworth or to get involved in any of the groups, please contact Sheryl via email tamworth@staffs-wildlife.org.uk