Walsall Arboretum Extension

The stream joins Hill Hook SINC with Walsall Arboretum. Set amongst golf courses and adjoining hedgerows, the streamside possesses a valuable matrix of rough grassland, tall scrub, ditches and wet hollows.

Flora and fauna

Tree and shrub species include guelder rose, blackthorn, hawthorn, ash, alder, crack willow, sallow, crab apple, dogwood, and hazel. Herbs include angelica, devil's-bit scabious and great burnet. The stream itself supports burreed, fools watercress, water plantain, yellow flag iris and brooklime.

Management recommendations

The mowing regime near the stream could be modified to enhance the wildlife interest, either by infrequent cutting or by a hay cutting regime. The over-mature hawthorn could be managed by coppicing some shrubs periodically or cutting some of the stems from each stool making the main stem stronger.