Friends of Laugherne Brook

Laugherne Brook Local Nature Reserve

Community action

After moving back to an area of the city where he grew up, environmental enthusiast and community builder Stuart Minchin found that he rarely saw his new neighbours. He was also intrigued by the nature reserve he lived opposite and knew very little about. Noticing the lack of activity around the wonderful green space, Stuart began reaching out to his neighbours to find out what they could do as a community to protect and enhance this reserve and maybe have a bit of fun together too. In 2009 a meeting was organised at the nearby Coppertops pub, where the Friends of Laugherne Brook group (FoLB)was established with up to 20 committed members. Since then, the group has worked alongside Worcester City Council, which manages the reserve, and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to enhance its beauty and biodiversity.

A mown path through shrubs and trees by Liz Yorke — Laugherne Brook neighbourhood by Liz Yorke

Laugherne Brook is home to a variety of flora and fauna such as bats, kingfishers, woodpeckers, foxes and muntjac deer and its waterways are populated with fish such as minnow, ruff, dace and chub - a staple of both heron and kingfisher diets. Located in five separate areas along on the course of the Laugherne Brook, the reserve provides a vital safe corridor for local and visiting wildlife, one of the many reasons why it is crucial to keep it clear and clean.

Unfortunately, littering, often aggravated by flooding, has been a challenge the community has been faced with over the years. Regular litter picks are organised by FoLB among many other activities, such as bat walks with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust as well as wildflower and tree planting sessions. “The council were very keen that we planted native species, which FoLB are very keen to do as well,” Stuart commented. FoLB have planted and cared for over 50 trees; you will find species such as liquid amber, elm and fruit trees others on your walks throughout the reserve.

Volunteers from FoLB undertake regular bird surveys, reporting back to the City Council and the RSPB. It is hoped that the results of the bird survey will reflect the improvements made in wildlife habitat.

Friends of Laugherne Brook (https://youtu.be/WNU2tG2ZWDg)

The neighbourhood’s support is crucial to the success and sustainability of the Friends of Laugherne Brook group and the work they do to preserve the brook. “What we wanted to do was create what’s referred to as a bumping space so there was an opportunity for people to come out and bump into their neighbours.” FoLB has managed this quite successfully over the years by hosting relaxing events in the neighbourhood with the help of a friendly local coffee van; you can also join them at Coles Meadow on the first Sunday of each month.