Sedgley Beacon
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Supported by Aggregate Industries
and The Rothschild Foundation
and The Rothschild Foundation
Sedgley Beacon
Sedgley Beacon is a well-known local landmark and public open space. The site is a limestone hill from the top of which are panoramic views of the Black Country, Birmingham and the Shropshire Hills. Regularly seen species include yellowhammer, kestrel and a population of the rare marbled-white butterfly. An historic limestone quarry in the north of the site supports the largest area of species-rich limestone grassland in Birmingham and the Black Country. Since 2013 a Nature Improvement Area funded project has been helping to restore the historic environment and enhance the site for people and wildlife. The project is a partnership between The Wildlife Trust, South Staffs Water, Dudley Council, The Friends of Sedgley Beacon and local schools.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
Once completed the restoration of this important area of degraded grassland habitat will help to restore key species populations and make them more resilient. It will also increase the presence of important diverse plant communities which support a whole range of wildlife from butterflies to insects, mammals and birds – many of these species are specialists, unable to live anywhere else and some are nationally threatened. It is hoped that these moves will help the site to regain its Site of Special Scientific (SSSI) status.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
The Sedgley Beacon Living Landscape aims to connect people with nature through activities that support health and well-being and demonstrate the importance of the natural world. The site is popular with local residents on account of the panoramic views it offers from the summit, with the industrial Black Country on one side contrasting with Staffordshire on the other.
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
The provision of walking routes through the Sedgley Beacon Living Landscape, in sympathy with site conditions and objectives, will help to attract a greater number of people to the area.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
The Sedgley Beacon Living Landscape provides recreational opportunities; the site has several public rights of way and forms part of the Limestone Way which runs throughout Sedgley, Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, Dudley Priory through to Dudley Zoo and Castle.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
Local community for volunteering, key local partners (Dudley Council, South Staffs Water, Friends of Sedgley Beacon), local media.
All contacts should be directed to:
nia@bbcwildlife.org.uk