YOUR LETTERS

Have your say on rural issues.

It seems many people think that in order to find countryside, you need to head miles out into the country. We could all name areas of Britain renowned for their excellent countryside. We could probably all name areas where we have national parks.

I live in the West Midlands, in the part called the Black Country. Contrary to popular belief, it would be fairly accurate these days to call it the Green Country, certainly in many areas.

In 2005, I retired due to ill health. By 2008, I had discovered a nearby woodland, much neglected. In 2012, I started a friends group to work alongside Dudley Council to manage the ancient woodland and open it up for local residents. In 2019, Natural England granted us Local Nature Reserve status, and so was born Alder Coppice LNR (right). There are 10 nature reserves in Dudley and it even boasts two nationally recognised sites: the Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, also known for its geology, and Saltwells National Nature Reserve. Not bad for a metropolitan borough council in the Black Country.

However, it’s not just the nature reserves, it’s all the other countryside that exists in the area. You don’t have to travel deep into the countryside to find nature. In fact, you’re more likely to find foxes in suburban areas. My local nature reserve, Alder Coppice, boasts foxes, badgers, two types of deer, a host of smaller mammals, beautiful birds, fantastic fungi and a plethora of wildflowers.

So don’t overlook what’s on your doorstep when seeking the countryside.

Why not come to the Black Country for a country holiday?

Simon Biggs, chairman,

Friends of Alder Coppice LNR

Editor Fergus Collins replies: You’ll have no argument from me – we ran a big feature on the Black Country Geopark in October 2020 celebrating the nature and history of the area. And huge congratulations on your success with Alder Coppice LNR.