Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
The beautiful horse chestnut tree that used to stand on Davenham Road has had to be cut down after a large branch fell off in August.
The tree was immediately inspected by Bromsgrove District Council and was found to be heavily diseased and in very poor condition.
It had been “crown pruned” in the past to give it every chance of survival but sadly its condition had deteriorated to a stage where there were no viable pruning options available to allow its retention, and it was felled shortly after the inspection.
Coun Caroline Spencer would like to reassure residents that two or three replacement trees are to be planted during the autumn/winter period to mitigate the loss of the horse chestnut tree.
HELP PROTECT HEDGEHOGS
Despite a worrying national decline in the hedgehog population, The Oakalls is lucky to be home to a number of these spiky little creatures. The first litters of hoglets are generally born in May to July, with the second litters born August to September. This means you may find juvenile hedgehogs in your garden at the moment.
The autumn and winter months are the most important for hedgehogs to find food, so that they put on enough weight before hibernation from late December until late March.
If you think you may have hedgehogs in your garden please put out food for them, such as tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits. Specialist hedgehog food can be bought from wildlife food suppliers. Never feed hedgehogs milk as it can cause diarrhoea; instead provide plain, fresh water in a shallow bowl.
If you see a hedgehog in your garden during daylight hours it is probably in trouble and may require professional care. Call Willows Hedgehog Rescue in Bromsgrove on 07518 354408 and they will assess the hedgehog and keep it in their hospital if it requires medical attention.
You will always be given the first option to have the hedgehog back to re-release in your garden at an appropriate time, once it has been given the all-clear by staff at Willows.
FESTIVE DIARY DATE
The ninth Oakalls and Parklands Christmas Community Carols event will take place on Sunday December 22, starting at 6.30pm on the open grassed area by the notice board and Trianon Road. Refreshments will be available including Tardebigge Cider and mince pies. Father Christmas will arrive at around 7pm.
Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk