Located in the Severn Valley just to the north-west of Worcester the Grimley and Holt area encompases a wide variety of habitats which include wetlands, mature and damp woodlands, rough grassland and scrub, arable fields and horse paddocks. This coupled with the area being directly on the Severn Valley migration route means a wide range of bird species have been recorded and this has lead to a growing number of observers visiting the area.
Grimley new workings
The main focus of attention, Grimley new workings is the largest wetland in the area and hosts nesting Common Tern, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Redshank. In addition it is the county stronghold for breeding Gadwall. Passage periods see an increase in the variety of waders with Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Green and Common Sandpipers, Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit being regular in occurence. Scarcer waders noted at these times have included Sanderling, Knot, Whimbrel, WoodSandpiper and Little Stint while Pectoral Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover have been recorded on rare occasions.
Wildfowl are also prominent at this site with annual records of Garganey, birds often lingering for several weeks during the autumn while Pintail are scarce but regular in the autumn and winter along with the occasional Goldeneye and Goosander. Rarer species have included Long-tailed Duck, Greater Scaup, Smew, Ferruginous Duck and the first county record of Lesser Scaup.
Osprey are more or less annual on spring or autumn passage although they rarely linger and Black Tern is being noted with increasing frequency albeit in small numbers. Little Egret have become annual visitors during July and August with as many as four birds being present. The site is a regular stop over for White and Yellow Wagtails, mostly in the spring, while Whinchat and Wheatear often favour the surrounding fences. Stonechats are also regular on passage and are increasingly present thoughout the winter months.
Access is from the A443 Worcester to Tenbury Wells road, following signs to Grimley and on entering the village turn right opposite the phonebox on to Camp Lane and continue for c.1/3 mile. Permission is granted to park in the field adjacent to the hay barn on the right.
For a location map of Grimley new workings: Click Here
Grimley old workings
Grimley old workings, as the name implies is a more established site with a fairly extensive reedbed although the encroachment of willow scrub is beginning to deminish this important habitat. Reed Warblers are particularly numerous during the summer months with smaller numbers of Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. A few pairs of Gadwall breed and Water Rail are present throughout the year while Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are occasionally encountered. Although not as productive a site for waders as the new workings, Green and Common Sandpipers are frequent visitors on passage whilst past records have included Grey Phalarope, Avocet, CurlewSandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Knot, Sanderling and Little Stint. Other notable records include Spoonbill, Marsh Warbler, two SpottedCrakes, Bearded Tit, Bittern, Smew, Greater Scaup and Red-crested Pochard.
Access is via the many public rights of way that cross the area with nearby parking in Grimley village or in the layby near the northern exit off the A443 to Grimley village.
For a location map of Grimley old workings:Click Here
Holt
This area of farmland located between the villages of Holt and Holt Heath is particularly productive at certain times of the year, especially during the winter months. At this time there is a good chance of seeing Merlin, which often perch along the many fence lines that cross the area while Peregrine and Raven can also be encountered. Stonechat are usually present and Golden Plover occasionally occur, sometimes in good numbers while the flocks of Canada Geese can attract the odd White-fronted Goose. Long-eared Owls were noted using the area as a communal roost one winter and there are a few records of Short-eared Owl while Barn Owls are more frequent. There are a number of small fishing pools surrounded by alders and these often prove attractive to Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and a few Brambling. Close scrutiny of these flocks have also turned up a few records of the much scarcer Mealy Redpoll. Spring and autumn passage periods often produce a few Whinchat and Wheatear with Spotted Flycatcher a summer visitor to the area surrounding Holt church. Unusual visitors in the past have included Twite, Snow Bunting, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Quail, Little Egret, Sanderling, Pied Flycatcher and a Scandinavian race Rock Pipit.
The area can be viewed on the south side from the lane that leads from the A443 to Holt church while footpaths run along the west and east sides.
