Ravenshill Reserve

You might think that all you need do to set up a woodland reserve is to acquire some land, buy some trees, and persuade some people to help you plant them. It isn't quite as easy as that, a fact attested by the story of Ravenshill Woodland Reserve. Having opted for early retirement from her high-street-name directorship in 1966, Elizabeth Barling set out to do something innovative and completely different. She did have the advantage of starting out with 94 inherited acres (38ha), negotiating the purchase of a little more to round the acreage up to 100 (40ha). However, conservation is a modern concept - most of the land, once ancient woodland, had been stripped of mature trees in 1929, when national stocks of timber were still recovering from the First World War. In 1966 it was a disorderly mass of spindly, regenerated, mixed native species.

The best part of a year was spent living on a houseboat while taking an MSc in Recreation Management at Loughborough University before implementing her ideas. The greatest setback was the loss of her house in the woods, reduced to a large pile of ashes. Ironically, all this destruction occurred one evening while the owner was in Worcester Cathedral enjoying a performance of Haydn's Creation.

Look at the suggested map carefully and you will see the word 'Ravenhill' several times, but only once are the birds in the plural, at Ravenshill Wood. In some ways this is an error, but it is not of the Ordnance Survey's making. A bronze name plate had been ordered, and a rogue 's' had appeared on it; this was pointed out to Miss Barling but she decided to keep the distinction. Later, Ordnance Survey fieldworkers re-mapping the area were shown that 'Ravenshill' was indeed the correct spelling. The information building is rustic and a little ramshackle, but has wall-to-wall wildlife displays, and empathetically invites you to borrow wellington boots (various sizes available) free of charge. Establishing Ravenshill Woodland Reserve was certainly a labour of love. The full story is set down in her book, Birth of a Nature Reserve, published in 1982. She was recognised with an MBE in 1978 for her services to conservation. Happily, the present owners and the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust have carried forward her philosophy into the reserve's present-day management. Elizabeth Barling's legacy is there, waiting for you to enjoy it.

The reserve is open daily from April to October and at weekends only from November to March. The distance given in the information panel does not include walking the ½ mile (800m) red trail or 1½ mile (2.4km) blue trail in the reserve itself.

Where to eat and drink

Just ½ mile (800m) north of the start is the Fox and Hounds in Lulsley, with an enclosed beer garden. Alfrick's post office and stores, in a prime location at the village crossroads, is a vibrant place, generously supplied with fruit. At Knightwick is the Talbot.

What to look for

The reservoir opposite Ravenshill Woodland Reserve was dug in 1977. Along Leigh Brook the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has built suitable holts (otter houses). You'll need patience (and perhaps a sleeping bag) to catch sight of an otter. Nearby Lower Tundridge Farm is a timber-framed building with mullioned and transomed windows. Built in the early 17th century, it was one of the last of its kind, before brick structures became the norm.

While you're there

Alfrick's Church of St Mary Magdalene is not of extreme architectural interest, it's merely extremely pretty - mixed stone facing, a wooden bell tower, and original sandstone window casings. Inside are exposed roof beams and much stained-glass of Dutch origin. The Brockhampton Estate draws crowds to its 14th-century, moated manor house and timber-framed gatehouse. Gardeners will appreciate the modest 2½ acres (1ha) of largely formal grounds at The Garden at The Bannut at Bringsty.