A MASS walk is being staged as campaigners fighting to save Halesowen’s countryside turn their focus onto the threatened Coombeswood Green Wedge.

It was revealed earlier this year that St Modwen was considering applying for planning permission to build around 80 houses in fields next to Firtree Farm.

Objectors are cranking up their campaign against building on the wedge – which is greenbelt land – fearing an application by the developers is imminent.

Conservationist and Hales Owen Abbey Trust member Roy Burgess will lead the walk on Saturday August 8,

setting off from the Leasowes Walled Garden at 10am.

He will point out footpaths and sites of importance for nature conservation and the location of the proposed housing, off Mucklow Hill.

Trust secretary Mick Freer said: “Roy is very knowledgeable in respect of the history and other aspects of the area and I am sure that walkers will find his walk to be interesting and informative.”

Mr Freer said the land at risk was the “last vestige of virgin agricultural land” in the area and a “visually prominent site in an otherwise unthreatened landscape”.

He added St Modwen’s proposal to protect a contaminated part of the wedge with the creation of a community interest company as part of a deal to allow the house building was an unnecessary ploy because that land was not under threat.

Mr Freer is hoping for a good turnout for the walk and advises people arriving in cars to park on Leasowes car park, off Mucklow Hill, at 10.15am