What to see around the park

Stennels Field
These wonderful areas of unimproved grassland are situated in the south of the park. The fields are classified as SINC sites (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Correct management of this site is very important or we may lose this valuable protection. The fields have not been 'improved' by drainage, ploughing, pesticides or fertilizers. This encourages unique flora and this type of habitat is rare in the region.

 

The SINC status was awarded due to the presence of ballerina or Pink Waxcaps, (Hygrocybe calyptriformis), which is often likened to a ballerina because of its similarity to a dancer's tutu. The waxcap, which is locally rare in the Midlands may be more common in the UK than anywhere else in the world. We therefore have a responsibility to look after it. These fields also have an historical interest as they have been grazed for over 200 years, and possibly for far longer.

 

Stennels fields have not been grazed for several years and the floral diversity has reduced. The waxcaps have not been seen for a couple of years and scrub has begun to invade the grassland. The wildflowers are disappearing and areas of vigorous grasses, nettles and thistles are taking over.

 

To return Stennels field to a beautiful wildflower meadow it must be managed, one way of doing this is through grazing. Grazing of grassland areas is a standard conservation method used effectively across the country on many nature reserves. It is a low impact, natural method of enhancing these important habitats. The alternative would be to cut the field using machinery, which is not practical due to the hillocky nature of the field, cattle can access the whole field. If grazing takes place we would prefer to use Murray Grey's.

 

Why Murray Grey Cattle
The Murray Grey is a small, hardy breed with a good temperament. This breed is being used very effectively at Saltwells Local Nature Reserve, run by Dudley MBC.

 

Saltwells LNR use the cattle to graze their grassland areas, all of which have full public access. The local community have embraced the cattle and they have even become a public attraction at the Nature reserve.

Public access to Stennels fields will not be restricted, and no rights of way will be blocked. All we ask is that dogs are kept under control and on a lead whilst in the fields and not allowed to chase the cattle.

 

Top Field
Top Field is the small field at the Northern end of the Leasowes. During the spring and summer it is covered with wild flowers and has many butterflies and moths. This area is cut for hay during August and baled for cattle fodder. This benefits the wildflower species which require low nutrient levels. We are trying to increase the number of wild flower species in this field and are planning to sow locally collected seed in late summer.

 

Orchard
We planted a memorial orchard in a small field previously used to graze horses. The orchard is situated just off Sylvan Green, the original entrance to the park. It has been planted with old local varieties of apples and pears. People may come and scatter ashes of loved ones around the trees or even plant a fruit tree in their memory, with prior permission of the wardens. It is a quiet peaceful area of the park, we have installed two benches for people to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and wildlife that uses this area.

 

Crown Tip
An old landfill site Crown Tip has been left alone to let nature take its course. After several years the site is developing into a mosaic of scrub, maturing trees and grassland with a good collection of wildflowers and associated insects. This diversity encourages birds and small mammals, and is indeed one of the best areas in the park for observing wildlife, if you are quiet you may see foxes and even the very shy Muntjac deer,. Future management of Crown Tip will involve scrub removal and grass cutting.