PLANS have been drawn up to extend a Kidderminster nature reserve into the playing field next to it to create a new habitat for fish, amphibians and insects.

The proposals, made by the Environment Agency and Wyre Forest District Council, will use a small piece of land from Spennells playing field to extend Spennells Nature Reserve.

The land is too wet at most times of the year to be used for its original purpose as a football field so the district council hope to change its use.

The scheme will be funded by the Environment Agency from the sale of rod licences but the district council will undertake future maintenance of the site.

The main aims are to improve the amenity and biodiversity value of the area, provide a space for the community to enjoy, increase fish populations in the Hoo Brook and River Stour and provide an area for schools to use as an educational resource.

The proposals include the construction of three pools which will be connected to the Hoo Brook.

The first pool will be about 800 square metres and will be permanently connected to the brook, the second will be about 600 square metres and will be connected to the brook for 80 per cent of the year and the third will be about 400 square metres and will be connected for 50 to 60 per cent of the year. Each pool will favour a different fish species.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: “In addition to the connected pools, there will be some shallow pools created around the site to provide a temporary habitat for amphibians and insects.

“The remainder of the site will be seeded with a mix rich in wild flowers, sourced locally, to encourage locally rare species to flourish.”

Plans also include a raised walkway to improve access.

The proposals are being submitted to the district council planning department this week after two consultations have taken place with Spennells residents.