CCTV plan for Wren's Nest nature reserve amid fly-tipping misery

The reserve has become a "beacon for fly-tippers" according to Marco Longhi MP, who says scrambler motorbikes are also "becoming a nuisance".

To beef up security, a new wardens' base is set to open at the world-renowned site, which is famed for being the home of the 428-million year-old trilobite Calymene blumenbachii, the 'Dudley Bug'.

Council chiefs are said to be planning further measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and barriers to block vehicle entry.

Dudley North MP Mr Longhi recently organised a litter-pick at the site with Friends of Wren's Nest Nature Reserve and Priory Park Boxing Club.

He said several spots were regular targets for fly-tipping and that action was needed to ensure the reserve was "respected".

"This criminal activity is unacceptable," he said. "We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful nature reserve in Dudley - it must be respected.

"I am working with the council to find a lasting solution, including CCTV and barriers, which will also block access to scrambler motorbikes which are becoming a nuisance."

History

Mr Longhi added: "For me, this really is the jewel in the crown for Dudley, the history and diversity of fossils is unprecedented.

"When the new wardens' base is in place, I believe the reserve will become even more accessible and will be another deterrent for these fly-tippers. I am really looking forward to seeing this developed soon."

Sally Webb, from Priory Park Boxing club, said she had become upset after noticing piles of rubbish building up at parts of the reserve.

"We as a club love helping the community and hopefully, we can set a good example for others seeing us out and about and will think twice about dropping litter or helping us out in the future," she said.

"We all have a duty to protect these areas that we live in."

Paul Floyd, from the Friends of Wren's Nest Nature Reserve, said they had been carrying out litter picks on the reserve each month for more than 15 years.

"Every month we collect up to a ton of rubbish," he said. "Because of Covid restrictions we have unfortunately had to suspend this activity for the last two months, and this has led to an increase in rubbish on site."

He said he hoped the team effort to remove the rubbish, which is also backed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, would continue in the coming months.