Introduction
A new project started in October 2011 to support three existing Community Wildlife Groups, and develop three new ones. Clee Hill was selected as a potential area for one of the new groups because it is an important area for wildlife, which is likely to be valued by the local
community.
The initiative had the support of the Clee Hill Partnership, and it was decided initially to focus on the Partnership’s area: “It does not need to be defined by a rigid boundary. It is centred on the open hill land of Titterstone Clee and Clee Hill common, and includes the surrounding land which provides the landscape and community setting of the Hill, extending
approximately as far as Knowlegate and Knowbury to the south, Bitterley to the west, Cleedownton and Bromdon to the north, and Catherton Common and Doddington to the east”.
A Steering Committee was set up, consisting of 20 people, many representing local and wildlife organisations, along with some interested individuals, to plan the public launch meeting.
Interest and support for a Community Wildlife Group was generated through a press release
sent to all AONB press contacts and titles covering the Clee Hill area, an article in ‘West of
the Clee Hill’ local parish magazine, posters displayed throughout the whole area, (parish,
church and village hall notice boards, and local shops), emails or letters sent to interested
individuals and local groups, and posting information on the AONB website.