Support

Representation ID: 17459

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Orme

DSA4

I write in support of your proposals to designate the Corbett Meadow a local green space. My reasons for this are as follows.

The Corbett Meadow is an ancient Green Field meadow it was originally bequeathed to the people of Stourbridge and the surrounding areas by John Corbett philanthropist.

The precious land is a green island contains various habitats: 2 ponds and wetland area, traditional meadow grassland / meadow flora and veteran trees. All of these habitats within the 14 acres sustain wildlife that is now under threat or in decline. It also provides food and cover for animals and birds passing through. The meadow is an untouched natural green field site and a rarity in the middle of a high-density built-up area.

Local naturalist [name] who lives here in Stourbridge and is a BCC radio presenter and author, recently said of the site My impression was incredulity – how had this gem survived intact for so long in a built-up area? this relatively small area was wonderfully contoured and featured marshy hollows, a steep scarp, two willow-lined pools and many mature trees. Needless to say, these features are in very short supply within Dudley Borough. There are many rea species on this site including Palmate Newts which are very scarce in the Black Country conurbation. Hawthorn Jewel Beetles I’d never seen them in Stourbridge before or indeed anywhere in the Dudley Borough. I think that was my strongest impression of the meadow - that it is one of the most important ecological lynchpins in the Stourbridge area. Corbett’s Meadow is not just another piece of grassland: for many of its species, whether they are Palmate Newts or Small Heath Butterflies, it is a life-raft out of the past and its loss would be nothing short of a tragedy not only for local wildlife, but also for the future generations who I hope will be able to enjoy it and explore its history and natural history.