Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited the county’s largest nature conservation charity, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, to one of its flagship reserves on Friday.
Gavin visited the Highgate Common nature reserve, Wombourne last week. He was welcomed by the Trust’s Chief Executive, Julian Woolford, and Highgate Common warden, Hayley Dorrington, before being given a tour of the reserve and to discover more about progress being made.
Gavin, who has volunteered on the reserve in the past and is a supporter of the Trust, learned more about the Trust’s State of Staffordshire’s nature report, launched in October last year, and new 2017-2020 strategy.
While at the site, Gavin discovered more about the creation of the corridor creation at the site as part of its 10-year management plan. The corridor, funded by Natural England, will allow rare invertebrates which were originally isolated and at risk of inbreeding to move between heathland areas.
Julian Woolford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We had a very productive morning with Gavin and we were very glad to be able to update him on what our Trust thinks are the most pressing concerns for nature and wildlife in Staffordshire.
“Gavin’s support for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is extremely valued.
“We know Highgate Common is a site close to Gavin’s heart as he has spent time with our volunteers there in the past. He was impressed with the work that goes on at the site and is looking forward to future developments on the common.”
Commenting on his visit to Highgate Common Gavin commented: “It was a real pleasure to be able to once again join the volunteers at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at Highgate Common. I learn so much about the wildlife that lives here on the Common when I visit and today was no exception.
“I am always so impressed to see the work that is being done on the management of the site and it helps you realise how dependent all this good work is on the generosity and the support of volunteers.
“The Trust does such important work here in South Staffordshire and I hope others are able to follow my footsteps, and lend a helping hand ensuring that Highgate Common remains a thriving and nurturing environment for our treasured wildlife.”