The Dudley Countryside service has scooped a national award for its outstanding geological conservation at a borough nature reserve.

The Dudley Council team has won the Gordon Miller Award at the Countryside Management Association annual conference for its work at Saltwells Nature Reserve. After fighting off stiff competition from the National Trust, the team came out on top in recognition of their work to enhance Doulton’s Claypit, a Site of Special Scientific Interest at the reserve.

The award recognised how the team has worked with volunteers, geologists, educational groups and specialists from Natural England to clear rock exposures and interpret its importance to visitors.

New interpretation panels have also been installed along with prehistoric dragonfly sculptures along a new geo trail, which together enhance the visitor experience. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said:

“We have a wonderful variety of green open spaces across the borough and I’m really pleased to see one of them receive such high praise from the Countryside Management Association.

“This is all thanks to the fantastic team at Saltwells.  Our staff are dedicated to protecting, enhancing and celebrating its many geological features.  Congratulations to every single one of them and to those who have given up their time to volunteer and support the work at the reserve.”

The Gordon Miller award recognises the outstanding contribution to countryside or urban green space management in creating a wonderful and inspiring place to visit, live and work in.