Founded in September 2012, we are a local community group aiming to protect and improve the area around Diglis playing fields and Cherry Orchard local nature reserve
Diglis playing field is currently undergoing a period of significant change, funded by 'Section 106' money paid for by private developers as a condition for planning permission for building on the area around the canal basin. The north end of the field is home to two football pitches, used on a regular basis throughout the season by the Worcester & District Football League, and a stone circle feature known locally as 'the henge'. The south end of the field is an informal open space used for kickabouts and events, and also a fantastic new play area opened in July 2015 as part of the improvements scheme.
Next to the playground is a very special feature of the area, a miniature railway which has been in operation in Diglis since August 1954 and is still going strong today with public running days on the third Sunday afternoon of the month between April and October.
Beyond the railway is Cherry Orchard Local Nature Reserve, a former landfill site which was capped in 1987 and has been gradually colonised by flower-rich grassland and scrub. It was designated a local nature reserve in 2003 and is home to slow worms, green woodpeckers, kingfishers, grass snakes, song birds, orchids, Michaelmas daisies and fruit trees amongst others. The site was designated a Field in Trust in 2013 as part of a scheme to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee, making it a protected public area. The adjacent former dredging area (owned by the Canal and River Trust) is a unique habitat in Worcester, supporting a number of plants and insects associated with sandy soils. The whole area is now better connected to the river and the rest of Worcester thanks to the installation of the new Diglis footbridge.
Next to the playground is a very special feature of the area, a miniature railway which has been in operation in Diglis since August 1954 and is still going strong today with public running days on the third Sunday afternoon of the month between April and October.
Beyond the railway is Cherry Orchard Local Nature Reserve, a former landfill site which was capped in 1987 and has been gradually colonised by flower-rich grassland and scrub. It was designated a local nature reserve in 2003 and is home to slow worms, green woodpeckers, kingfishers, grass snakes, song birds, orchids, Michaelmas daisies and fruit trees amongst others. The site was designated a Field in Trust in 2013 as part of a scheme to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee, making it a protected public area. The adjacent former dredging area (owned by the Canal and River Trust) is a unique habitat in Worcester, supporting a number of plants and insects associated with sandy soils. The whole area is now better connected to the river and the rest of Worcester thanks to the installation of the new Diglis footbridge.
What we do
Help look after the areaWe hold litter picks twice a year, usually around March and October. We also carry out a dog mess survey every six weeks or so.
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Organise community events
We hold regular guided walks around the nature reserve to help people find out more about the wildlife there. In June 2015 we held our first big community get together, a Big Lunch on the playing field with a bouncy castle and face painting. It was a great success and we hope to make it an annual event.
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Help shape developmentsWe have worked closely with Worcester City Council over the plans to improve the area, helping to deliver consultation events in the local area to find out what residents want and having regular progress meetings with councillors and the Cleaner & Greener Department.
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Upcoming events |