Herefordshire Wildlife Trust campaigns for new city wetland

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust held a ‘day of action’ in the county, with the ‘Goddess of the River Wye’ leading the way through the city on September 7, to the disused site of the Essex Arms.

The group believe that the vacant space on the Link Road, which is prone to flooding, could be the perfect place for a new wetland park.

The procession began in High Town, making its way to the site. (Image: Julia Baker)

Representatives from the Trust, local councillors, and Herefordshire Health Watch joined the campaign, with many carrying colourful placards and animal signs in their journey to the site.

Many carried wildlife themed accessories, including an otter. (Image: Julia Baker)

Many campaigners were adorned with wildlife themed accessories. The goddess led the way through High Town and the Old Market, with a pot of water from the River Wye joining them.

The goddess of the Wye was accompanied by a pot of river water that has joined the campaigners many times before. (Image: Julia Baker)

The water was used to bless the site, which has previously been taken to many events, including making it to the capital for marches.

Jamie Audsley, chief executive officer of the trust, spoke to the Hereford Times. He explained that the site would provide a “wonderful place for nature and for people to connect to it” and that Herefordshire council are a commissioning a “master planning process” which he says the trust is a key partner in.

The CEO said that the trust would be looking to take all the energy and passion from the wildlife themed procession into the master planning process, and is encouraging supporters to make the pledge for the potential wetland. He encouraged people to write to their local councillor to asks for representation on the matter.

To further develop the site as a wetland park, the trust has suggested that it could be managed to expand the range of different wildlife habitats around and along Widemarsh Brook.

The trust says that the wetland would not only increase urban biodiversity and help filter urban pollution but would also provide a space for tourists as well as local people to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport, with a proposed addition of a cycling and walkway link to the city.