Taking nature to heart

8:46am Thursday 8th May 2008

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THE river Stour, which runs through Kidderminster, was lost beneath bricks and mortar following years of intensive carpet manufacturing when it was used as a water source to wash and dye.

After years of neglect and industrial pollution the river is now being transformed.

This is just one of the projects to be highlighted in a brochure being developed by the the district council and its partners to promote investment in the town.

Consideration will be given to harnessing the value of nature as a valuable setting for economic regeneration.

Does taking nature to heart' offer a way of helping to create a new identity and business environment for Kidderminster?

The wetland habitats of Puxton and Wilden Marshes to the north and south of the town centre are amongst some of the richest wildlife value in the West Midlands region. The river flowing through the town centre helps to connect them, as does the canal.

In 2000, the development of the Tesco supermarket reintroduced the town to the river. Improvements continue with the development of a new Morrisons store adjacent to Green Street. The proposals here have been greeted with some enthusiasm by ecologists.

The Morrisons proposal includes otter holts and enhanced woodland management on the escarpment that is home to a population of badgers and will provide a backdrop to the new 400-space car park.

The new supermarket will also include careful use of lighting, a landmark bridge and interpretation boards drawing attention to the link between the river and the town's carpet heritage.

The site which is also due to be the home of a new carpet museum will also be linked to Market Street and the town centre by a new riverside path.

Exciting plans are being developed for Park Lane and the canal corridor which runs the full length of the town centre from the environment of St Mary's Church in the north to Round Hill in the south.

Brinton Park adjoins Park Lane but is some distance from the main shopping area of the town and plans are afoot to utilise the woodland bank adjacent to Weavers Wharf and Morgan Timber Yard as a natural oasis within the town.

So why is all this important? The government's advisers on architecture, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe), asked people what makes a good park and public space and the highest response given was the ability to give a sense of community (Cabe 2005).

Recognising the river as an asset may also help the town centre to tap into the visitor economy.

Do you think the natural environment of Kidderminster should be exploited more fully?