Natural England is inviting people in Shropshire to share their
views on ideas for a new landscape-scale National Nature Reserve
on the English/Welsh border.
Residents, landowners and anyone with an interest can attend a
public drop-in session taking place between 6pm and 9pm on
Wednesday 7 February at the village hall in Snailbeach near
Shrewsbury.
The proposal is to extend the existing Stiperstones National
Nature Reserve, by joining up with landowners and partners to
significantly increase the land declared as a National Nature
Reserve by up to 5,000 hectares.
The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve is made up of a wild
landscape of uplands, lowlands and woodland that attracts birds
including red grouse, red kite, skylark, and snipe. It is home to
invertebrates (insects) ranging from the hairy wood ant to the
small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.
Emma Johnson, Deputy Director for Natural England in the West
Midlands said:
“There’s a great opportunity here in Shropshire to create better
and bigger places for nature, that people can enjoy too. A
‘super’ National Nature Reserve joining up land with partners
would be so beneficial, for example soaking up huge amounts of
carbon and helping to reduce flooding downstream.
“Everyone is invited to find out more at the drop-in session
where they will be able to talk to people from Natural England
and some of the partner organisations involved. There’ll be
lots of information about the proposal, we really want to hear
what people think.”
The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve will be one of the Kings
Series of National Nature Reserves which were launched last year
to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The plans will see the creation of five major National Nature
Reserves named every year for the next five years - 25 in total,
leaving a lasting public legacy for people and nature.
As Prince of Wales, His Majesty expressed a deep love and
concern for England’s wildlife, natural and rural places,
frequently reflecting on his joy of walking and its role in
promoting a healthy mind and body.
Read more on the Kings Series of National Nature Reserves here
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/kings-nature-reserves-to-leave-lasting-legacy-for-people-and-nature
