Worcestershire County Council has awarded funding to the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to expand Trench Wood near Sale Green.

The project aims to secure and restore 45 hectares of land next to the ancient woodland, more than doubling the size of the existing reserve and making it the trust’s largest woodland nature reserve.

Councillor Josh Robinson, cabinet member for environment and communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This project shows how Local Nature Recovery Strategy funding can deliver real benefits for wildlife, communities and the environment.

“By supporting the expansion of Trench Wood, we’re helping to create larger, more connected habitats, strengthen climate resilience and protect one of Worcestershire’s most important natural landscapes.

“It’s a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working to deliver nature recovery across the county.”

Located near Sale Green, the proposed expansion falls within a designated LNRS priority area.

The funding forms part of a Government-backed initiative supporting the implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies across England.

In Worcestershire, the funding is used to deliver partnership projects that restore nature and create lasting benefits for wildlife, the environment and local communities.

The Trench Wood project includes plans to create 17 hectares of new native woodland, restore species-rich grassland, and improve habitat connectivity between Trench Wood, Grafton Wood and Roundhill Wood.

The scheme also aims to support species such as the brown hairstreak butterfly and Bechstein’s bat.

In addition to boosting biodiversity, the project is expected to create a more climate-resilient landscape, increase carbon storage, and offer volunteering and learning opportunities for schools, community groups and individuals.

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Mike Perry, chief executive of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “Thank you to Worcestershire County Council for supporting our important fundraising campaign to double the size of our brilliant Trench Wood nature reserve.

“Our ambitious plans contribute towards the county’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a vital blueprint to help nature’s recovery across Worcestershire.

“Our fundraising is still ongoing, and we hope to raise the remaining £50,000 by the end of the year.

“We hope that this campaign will play a vital role in a wider landscape-scale project to restore and connect nature across the east of the county.”

Trench Wood is one of Worcestershire’s richest ancient woodlands and forms part of the trust’s wider “A Network for Nature” programme within the Forest of Feckenham landscape.

The acquisition of the neighbouring land would help create the trust’s largest woodland nature reserve.

The funding for the project is part of broader Government investment to support the roll-out and delivery of Local Nature Recovery Strategies across England.

For more information on the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s campaign to expand Trench Wood, visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/appeals/trench-farm.

Councillor Robinson said the project could serve as a model for future nature recovery initiatives and encourage other landowners and land managers to work to deliver the ambitions of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.