The Moons Moat Conservation Group, working with Redditch Borough Council, the Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, North Worcestershire Water Service and the Church Hill Big Local has just (2017) submitted an application to Historic England (formerly English Heritage) to execute a ten-year management plan to restore the Moat and maintain it in a condition which will bring pride to the residents of Redditch.
The status of the moat as a Scheduled Ancient Monument imposes constraints on what can be done, how it is done and when it is done. The management plan has been produced following archaeological, ecological, tree and bat surveys of the site to ensure that the requirements of Historic England can be met. Seasonal conditions of nesting, breeding, growth and weather inevitably play an important part in the timing of all activities to develop and improve the site, but non-invasive preliminary work in 2016 saw North Worcestershire Water clear the inlet and restore an acceptable level of water in the moat.
Historic England have been involved in all stages of the planning so it is hoped that it will consent for the key work to begin in the Spring with initial tree and shrub clearance and replacement of fencing to protect the steep west banks of the Moat.
A copy of the Management plan can be downloaded by clicking here