NEIGHBOURS wave at each other when they pass by and borrowing a pint of milk is never too much for this community-led Worcestershire village - but it is missing one vital thing.

Fernhill Heath is a small village in Worcestershire and is a place many tend to miss as they drive past on the busy A38. 

But villagers argue that their little patch in Worcestershire is just as important as the rest. Maybe even more so, in their opinion.

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From stopping developers in their tracks by buying up 22 acres for community use and emphasising free community-led events, villagers said they are ensuring a better future for their children. 

Fernhill Heath Parish Council chair Meg Farmer on Bull Meadow - a 22-acre field the community bought - with Cllr Mary DrinkwaterFernhill Heath Parish Council chair Meg Farmer on Bull Meadow - a 22-acre field the community bought - with Cllr Mary Drinkwater (Image: Meg Farmer) "I love the village with a passion," said Fernhill Heath Parish Council chair Meg Farmer.

Having lived there for 48 years, she stumbled across the village merely by accident and now has no plans to live anywhere else.

Tina Rimell with her scarecrow, Jack the Christmas Cracker, in 2022 during the village's free-to-attend Scarecrow Festival.Tina Rimell with her scarecrow, Jack the Christmas Cracker, in 2022 during the village's free-to-attend Scarecrow Festival. (Image: Newsquest) She added: "It is a lovely place to live.

"You are so close to the beautiful countryside - two local schools where the teachers know every child's name and two fantastic pubs.

"We have a great community."

Andy Davies sitting in his Series 2 runabout Lykamobile during the village's annual Fun On The Brum event.Andy Davies sitting in his Series 2 runabout Lykamobile during the village's annual Fun On The Brum event. (Image: Newsquest) It is home to a Post Office, Morrisons Daily, two schools, a Baptist Church, hairdressers, two pubs and plenty of fields and parks.

It also has a war memorial club, which has hosted various events like bingo and ladies' night.

But admittedly, one final vital piece is missing to make the little village feel whole — 'its heart'.

ALL SMILES- New bar manager Dave Baker and new chairman Mike Skilbeck at the village's War Memorial Club following its major makeover this year. (Image: Mike Skilbeck)

The village is searching for a hub - either a cafe or a community hall - so residents can finally have a base.

Cllr Farmer said: "We put community above everything else but the sad thing is that we have no heart. No community hall or cafe for people to visit. 

"Before I die, I hope we manage to get that."

Villagers have worked together to try to battle this challenge by hosting a regular pop-up cafe that serves coffee and cake with a side of companionship for isolated village residents.

Executive headteacher Alex Gromski and head of school Josh Uren alongside children at Hindlip First School.Executive headteacher Alex Gromski and head of school Josh Uren alongside children at Hindlip First School. (Image: Hindlip First School) But Cllr Farmer said something more permanent would give everyone a place to host events in a warm environment.

"With a community hall, we could do so much," she said.

Emma Gannon, Alan Kasch, Julie Savage, Verity Buchanan from Fernhill Heath Post Office.Emma Gannon, Alan Kasch, Julie Savage, Verity Buchanan from Fernhill Heath Post Office. (Image: Fernhill Heath Post Office) READ MORE: War memorial club transformed by volunteers in DIY SOS-style makeover

Despite the village still searching for its heart, it is one not to be missed when driving to Worcester.

Whether it is to visit one of its free events or to share a pint at one of the local pubs, it is fair to say that you will never be left feeling isolated in Fernhill Heath.

The village is a short drive from Worcester, the county's city, and a shorter drive from the M5. 

It is also near the salt-town Droitwich Spa.