Hodge Lane (owned by TBC)

Once a site of clay extraction and brick making, Hodge Lane Local Nature Reserve now comprises valuable woodland dominated by oak.

Highlights

• Hodge Lane Conservation Group have recently been successful in a bid through the Heritage Lottery Fund

• Visit in spring to see a magnificent display of cowslips or summer for tufted vetch

Hodge Lane, in Amington, was the only existing Local Nature Reserve in Tamworth prior to the "Wild about Tamworth” project. In 2004, Hodge Lane Conservation Group was established, and local volunteers have carried out practical conservation tasks in the reserve on the last Sunday of every month since then. They also involve local experts in mammal and bird surveys, hold activity days in the reserve for local schools, and apply for funding to make further improvements to the site.

A diverse habitat

The site of approximately 4.5 hectares is diverse in nature and consists of three distinct areas: a steep-sided wooded pit of predominantly oak woodland, which contains a pool and low-lying damp areas; an area dominated by hawthorn scrub; and grassland sown and planted with wildflowers such as cowslips and yellow-rattle. A damp hollow with a stream runs through the centre and more recently woodland areas have been developed around the edges of the site.

Success through the Heritage Lottery Fund

Over past years, small amounts of funding have helped the group to carry out practical tasks and activities with the aim of managing and improving areas of valuable wildlife habitat on the reserve.

Recent success through the Heritage Lottery Fund has kick-started a new project with the aim of building on the small-scale work the group has undertaken over the past six years. The project is focused on preserving the wildlife and natural history heritage of Hodge Lane LNR for the enjoyment of the community and that of future generations.   Hodge Lane Conservation Group say: “we want to improve the habitats and species, particularly the wild flowers within the woodland areas. We wish to engage with a wider audience in the local community by investigating the site history in a variety of ways to produce resources, which can be used by local schools and residents in the future”.

Hodge Lane and Amington Oral History Project

Through the successful bid to Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hodge Lane volunteers aim to produce an oral history resource based around the Hodge Lane LNR site.   Hodge Lane Conservation Group say:   "we know that hodge Lane has been used by numerous people over many decades and we want to capture their experiences and memories for future generations".

Why not come along to the Hodge Lane and Amington History Day on 17th September at the Church Hall, Amington, Tamworth, where a team of trained volunteers will be ready to record you stories!

Why not get involved?

Practical conservation tasks are held at Hodge Lane LNR on the last Sunday of the month from 10am – 12pm. Meet near the entrance off Chandlers Drive, Amington.

If you would like to get involved, please contact Hodge Lane Conservation Group or “Wild about Tamworth” Project Officer Lindsey Bates on 01827 59912 or 07970 067711.