ON a pleasant Spring evening members met for a walk led by Ian Rowat of Malvern Hills Conservators.

After dodging the traffic on the main Malvern to Worcester Road they walked through Newland Common and saw wild flowers in bloom, including an unusual species of wild leek.

Frome here they walked to the Conservators community woodland in Townsend Way, where they were shown the tree planting and trees of various species. The wild flowers were in bloom, and Ian identified different bird calls. The group have coppiced one section of the older woodland and the wild bluebells covered the woodland floor. They have also put up bird boxes at various locations within the wood. At the groups suggestion the Conservators have erected signs and footbridges to enable easier access to the area.

Further along they came to a memorial orchard. Instead of a bench on the hills, some people prefer to plant a tree in memory of a loved one. This area is relatively new and will be developed in future years. At this point members retraced their steps, back to the pub for a drink to round off a very pleasant evening. Many thanks to Ian Rowat for leading the walk.