Local firm to boost Great Barr nature reserve

Coleman & Company, a world-leading demolition firm based in Great Barr, is celebrating 50 years in business this month and is marking the occasion by improving an important woodland, Holly Wood Local Nature Reserve.

Coleman & Company will be working closely with staff from Sandwell Council's Countryside Services to ensure that all of the work is carried out with wildlife in mind.

Mark Coleman, Managing Director at Coleman & Company, said: "Holly Wood is just a short distance from our headquarters and so it seemed the perfect site for us to choose.

"We wanted to mark our 50th year in business by making a real difference to our own community and we are looking forward to working with local people to make the improvements."

Work is due to begin later this month and will see improvements to the look and feel of the entrance, as well as further into the wood.

Sandwell Council's Jo Miskin said: "This funding from Coleman & Company is absolutely fantastic. The plans that we've now been able to develop with them will make a real difference to Holly Wood and hopefully be the first step in seeing more people visit the reserve."

The plans for Holly Wood include a newly surfaced footpath, new entrance fencing, a new gateway, the creation of a wildflower area, the creation of a pond and dipping platform and the removal of a small number of sycamore trees.

Local metal sculptor Tim Tolkien has been drafted in to bring an artistic touch to the whole scheme. He will be working alongside children from Whitecrest Primary School in the design of a new gateway into the reserve.

Tim added: "The children will be carrying out their own research into Holly Wood and then I'll be working with them in translating this into designs for the gateway."

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Ian Jones said: "This is a great example of partnership working and we're really pleased to be working closely with Coleman & Company in carrying out important improvements to Holly Wood Local Nature Reserve."

For further information about the proposals, please call Sandwell Park Farm on 0121 553 0220 or email countryside_services@sandwell.gov.uk. Holly Wood is located on Whitecrest, Great Barr, Sandwell.