Step out on a wintry woodland walk

Buy photos » Ben Christie will be leading the walk at Monkwood nature reserve. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4912016MMR. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

A STUNNING woodland will provide the backdrop for the first in a new series of guided winter walks.

The two hour trek takes place at Monkwood nature reserve, near Hallow, on Tuesday (December 18) and will be followed by a hearty stew at the nearby Fox Inn.

It is the first in a series of walks called County Tracks organised by conservation charity the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Ben Christie, reserves, events and visitors officer, said: “Winter is a great time to get out in the countryside - a lack of leaves on the trees means birds are more visible whereas fallen leaves on the ground mean you can more easily hear small mammals moving through the undergrowth."

Owned for centuries by Worcester Priory, the ancient semi-natural woodland has probably been in existence since before William the Conqueror. A plan from 1746 shows the boundaries of Monkwood almost exactly the same as they are today.

The walk takes place from 11am and places cost £12 each which includes the stew.

Booking is essential on 01905 754919 or email ben@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org

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