Worcestershire County Council

Countryside and Wildlife

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One of the main reasons for visiting Worcestershire is to experience the beautiful countryside where visitors can participate in a number of outdoor pursuits or simply take in the glorious landscape.  The picturesque county offers a unique blend of lush arid countryside with a cultivated rural landscape both providing the visitor with a breath of country air.

Take a walk on top of the Malvern Hills, visit the Wyre Forest , explore the Vale of Evesham or discover The Teme Valley.  Worcestershire offers many green spaces providing walkers, cyclists and horse riders with a variety of routes to consider.  Other outdoor activities are also popular within the county including watersports, hang-gliding and kiting.

The Malvern Hills

The Malvern is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) standing on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire county border and stretches for 9 miles.  The Worcestershire Beacon is considered to be one of the highest points in southern England and from the top on a clear day the Black Mountains in Wales can be seen as well as many counties.

Many famous writers and musicians have walked on top of the Malvern Hills with breathtaking views and rugged terrain providing inspiration for works of art, music and literacy.

The Vale of Evesham

During the middle ages, the monks in Worcestershire began the cultivation of flowers, fruits and vegetables on the fertile soils in the Vale of Evesham.  Today the area has gained a reputation for producing high quality farm produce.

In the Springtime the whole area is celebrated for its fruit tree blossom; March and April are the best months to see white plum and damson blossom followed a couple of weeks later by white and pink apple blossom.

The Spring Blossom Trail is a circular driving trail around the Vale of Evesham taking in the sights and smells of the Springtime blossom and the Vale's charming villages.

The Vale Trail is a circular driving tour designed to give visitors a taste in the best produce the area has to offer including PYO, farm-shops, nurseries, garden centres and horticultural events.

Annual events in the Vale of Evesham include the Plum Festival and the Asparagus Festival.

The Wyre Forest

Once a royal hunting forest, the Wyre Forest is now a popular tourist attraction with visitors coming to enjoy the ancient forests and beautiful waterways as well as the magnificent slopes and orchards in the area.

The Wyre Forest is only 3 miles from the riverside town of Bewdley and is one of the largest forests in England.  There is a visitor centre with seasonal displays and a childrens recreation area combining education and play.

The Teme Valley

The River Teme menanders its way through the north-west of the county before joining the River Severn just south of the city of Worcester.  

The beautiful Teme Valley has some of the most attractive countryside in Worcestershire and beyond, with visitors being able to explore the lovely scenery and experience the peace and tranquility the Valley has to offer.

Stroll across rolling hills, explore the natural woodlands and smell the scents from the orchards. The Teme Valley is particularly attractive in the Spring, when the damson, apple and hawthorn blossom is out or visit later in the year to sample some local produce from the fertile landscape.

Country Parks

Worcestershire has a variety of country parks spread across the county from Worcester Woods Country Park and Arrow Valley Country Park to more remote locations such as Kingsford Forest Park as well as many idyllic picnic places.  Please click on the link to be directed to the Countryside Service for further information on exploring Worcestershire's countryside.

The Countryside Code

* Be Safe - plan ahead & follow any signs
* Leaves gates and property as you find them
* Protect plants & animals
* Take your litter home
* Keep your dogs under close control
* Consider other people
* Try to stick to footpaths to avoid disturbing flora & fauna