New book of Lickey Hills walks to be launched

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RESIDENTS who like to ramble will be in for a treat on Monday (November 26), when the Lickey Hills Society (LHS) launches a new booklet outlining some super strolls.

The 40-page Lickey Hills Country Park - Great Walks enables readers to find out more about the park, its history and its wildlife, as well as the walks.

Among the main routes are the Bluebell, Squirrel, Woodpecker, Sculpture and Geo-Champions (geology) Trails.

They are all described in detail, with maps and photographs, along with walks to Bittell Reservoir and Barnt Green.

Another trail outlined is the easy access one for people with restricted mobility.

The history section details the area's key dates, which include the Neolithic period and the Pope's visit to Cofton Park.

The booklet has been funded by a legacy left to the Lickey Hills Society by late Rubery resident John Murdock, who requested his funds be spent on encouraging walking on the hills.

Other ideas include new trail waymarkers making the routes easier to follow and improved signage at the main park entrances.

It was developed from the country park's walks map and was put together by senior ranger Steve Hinton, ranger Adam Noon, LHS members and Keith and Simon Woolford of Arch Media.

Mike Brooke, the chairman of the Lickey Hills Society, said, “We are proud of this booklet which promotes the country park and will add greatly to people’s enjoyment of the Lickey Hills.

"This is a great booklet describing great walks in a great location.”

The booklet, which is £3, is available from the Visitor Centre in Warren Lane or from the Lickey Hills Society's committee members.

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