Friends of Burlish Meadows have welcomed Stourport Civic Society’s recent application to register Burlish Meadows as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). The groups describe this move as an important and positive step in their ongoing campaign to protect the country park from potential future development.
The newly formed community organisation in Stourport aims to challenge plans to sell part of Burlish Meadows-a former golf club transformed over the last decade into a treasured wilderness area-to Kidderminster Harriers Football Club for the construction of 3G football pitches. Many local residents have come to value this area for its natural beauty and wildlife.
Jason Kernohan, spokesperson and Chair of Friends of Burlish Meadows from Kidderminster, expressed disappointment at the proposal, calling it “very disappointing” yet “not entirely surprising.” The application for ACV status follows discussions between the two community groups and marks a coordinated effort to oppose Wyre Forest District Council’s plans to dispose of part of the country park for football development.
Mr Kernohan said: “We fully support Stourport Civic Society’s decision to apply for Asset of Community Value status and we’re grateful for their commitment to protect Burlish Meadows for the local community. This demonstrates what grassroots campaigns can do when local organisations work in partnership.”
The ACV application coincides with the ongoing statutory consultation on the council’s disposal proposal. Friends of Burlish Meadows are encouraging residents to submit formal objections during this period while also preparing for the anticipated planning application.
Mr Kernohan emphasised the group’s understanding of the importance of community sport and Kidderminster Harriers' ambitions but questioned the necessity of so many additional pitches, particularly in a conservation area featuring rare acid grassland. “Neither the Council nor the Harriers have made a convincing case as to why so many additional football pitches are needed, nor why this particular conservation area is the best and only possible location for development,” he said.
He praised local responses as “remarkable” and highlighted the group’s belief that alternatives exist that do not jeopardise such an established conservation area. The campaign also encompasses ecological, political, and broader community engagement work.
Jason described how the group has structured itself into steering committees focused on the environmental and community impacts, public usage of the site, and publicity efforts. He noted the difficulty many faced in voicing opposition during council meetings due to short notice.
Burlish Meadows is maintained by Wyre Forest District Council’s ranger service and hosts a rare habitat supporting diverse wildlife, including bees, flies, moths, and specialist species. It is also a popular spot for local families, dog walkers, and picnickers.
While supportive of the need for football facilities, Jason questioned the logic of expanding Kidderminster Harriers' playing area given their existing extensive grounds, suggesting the proposal may provide more pitches than some higher-tier clubs in the region. He expressed fears over the potential loss of biodiversity and the precedent such development could set for future green space sales.
Wyre Forest District Council clarified that no final decision to sell the land has been made. The council’s Cabinet agreed in principle to sell part of Burlish County Park to Kidderminster Harriers at a July 2026 meeting. A statutory notice has been published inviting public objections by 14 August, which will be considered before any final decision.
Kidderminster Harriers Football Club owner Richard Lane stated that the proposal aims to create lasting community benefits by providing additional sporting facilities for both young people and adults. He stressed that only about 21% of Burlish Country Park would be affected and reaffirmed commitment to biodiversity mitigation and collaboration with the council.
Mr Lane highlighted the club’s recent growth and current overuse of existing grass pitches, noting the necessity to expand to maintain quality surfaces. He also emphasised the club’s wider community role beyond match days, including coaching, education, and outreach efforts.
As the consultation continues, local residents and organisations remain focused on balancing community sports development with preserving the unique natural environment of Burlish Meadows.