Work at the Coppett Hill Local Nature Reserve, at Goodrich, will be more effective thanks to Common Trust Ltd and the Friends of Coppett Hill who have come together to buy an Alpine Tractor and mower.

Chairman of the Trust, Martin Rowberry, told the Ross Gazette: “We are excited that the Trust and the Friends have got together to buy the new equipment.

The equipment will mean that work can be carried out at the best time of the year, and in the right kind of weather.

Coppett Hill is one of the largest local nature reserves in Herefordshire at 250 acres and the hill forms part of the iconic view from Symonds Yat.

Mr Rowberry added:?“As part of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme with Natural England we are looking to improve the species rich grassland and mosaics on top of the hill and having this equipment will give us much more flexibility in what we do and when; for both the needs of wildlife and biodiversity.

“The new equipment will allow us to cover the grassy areas of the hill more easily so we can mow coarse or tussocky grass, brambles and gorse to encourage the young grass and the wildflowers instead.”

“I am really pleased to be helping the Trust and the Hill” said Robin Hulse, Chairman of the Friends of Coppett Hill, “this is what the Charity was set up to do and we look forward to a long and positive relationship with the Trust in the future.”

Patrick Chatterton, Company Secretary for the Trust added: “We looked very carefully at the options available and the Alpine Tractor is particularly suited to Coppett Hill since it has a low centre of gravity with 4-wheel drive and the mower will allow us to mow the path margins more easily.

“The grants Coppett Hill Common Trust now receives are directed towards improving species habitat and biodiversity, so getting this equipment is an important part of our commitment to managing the hill.”