Over the summer, Kinver Edge was very dry and we had several small fires in the meadow, woodlands and heathland. It was not clear if these were started intentionally or accidentally, but they did not spread far, having been found and reported early. The fire service was excellent, responding quickly, and returning the following day to douse any warmer spots. Very hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk of fire so please remember not to use BBQs or set campfires.
The cattle are now back grazing the heathland as part of our land management scheme and this will be the second season of using electronic collars as part of our pioneering fenceless grazing scheme, funded by the Kinver Edge Committee.
The lack of rain meant that we had to water a hedgerow that was planted last year to keep it from dying. Some of the saplings were lost, but so far it has done remarkably well, and we should not have to replace too many saplings this winter.
We have really noticed the benefit of the work in pulling the Himalayan balsam over the last three years. The amount of balsam has drastically reduced, enabling us to move into new areas. We have been helped by regular volunteers and corporate volunteering groups, so have covered a large area on Blakeshall Common.
The usual repairs to gates, fences and steps continue, as do our regular wildlife monitoring surveys. Butterflies have had a good year, reptiles also enjoyed the fine weather, and we had good numbers of black oil beetles for the third year running.
A defibrillator has been installed by the gate adjacent to the tea rooms at the Rock Houses. This was funded by a very generous donation from a member of the Kinver Edge Committee, with additional funding from Staffordshire County Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.