Updates and opportunities in the Shropshire Hills

Your parish is part of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, the quarter of the county designated to conserve and enhance natural beauty.

The new five year Plan for the Shropshire Hills ‘Thriving in Balance with Nature’ has been out for public consultation over the summer.  A range of views have been expressed but there is broad support for the main themes of the Plan’s Vision:

• Nature is restored and natural processes regenerated
• Climate is stabilised through decarbonising, and we are resilient to change
• Water is clean, and its flows and cycles support our lives, and all life
• Land is nurtured so it can sustain us
• People are healthy and connected to nature – in vibrant communities and as welcome visitors
• The Shropshire Hills are valued and cared for as a special Place

The draft Plan is being updated and will go forward for formal approval by the two Councils this winter.  Further information on the draft Plan is available here https://www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk/a-special-place/management-plan.

The National Landscape team and partners have been looking at ways to broaden engagement and strengthen partnership working for the Shropshire Hills.  This will result in some changes to the structure of the groups we run, including opportunities to work more closely with the Parish and Town Councils in our area, in line the priorities of the new Shropshire Council administration.  We will be back in touch soon with more information on this.

The Conservation Fund run by our sister charity the Shropshire Hills Landscape Trust has reopened this autumn and is now inviting applications for projects to start in spring 2026.

Fund priorities are:

• Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, landscape, wildlife or heritage of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.
• Educational and awareness-raising activities relating to the area and its conservation, especially involving young people.

We’re keen to encourage applications from individuals or groups in your town or parish, or from your town/parish council directly.  Grants are in the range of £500 – £2,000 and can make a real difference in converting great ideas into sustainable community action for nature and people. Attached is the recently published Local Nature Recovery Workbook which has been developed with parish councillors in mind and might help with project ideas. You can also access the workbook at Community groups and town/parish councils | Shropshire Council

Earlier this year, nine community projects were supported through the Conservation Fund. Grants, totalling just under £15,000, were awarded to practical projects with strong community engagement.  These included funding the wildlife monitoring efforts of Morville Parish Council which is building on survey work in nearby parishes, creating a publicly accessible wildflower meadow at St George's, Pontesbury and supporting the Rea Valley Wildlife Group to deliver a programme of events for their local community.

• Further information about the Fund and how to apply is on our website at small grant pot.

• You can also read about recently supported projects here - read project summaries

If you have an idea in mind, the first step is to complete a short project idea form.  We will then get in touch with you to discuss your project idea and will be able to recommend whether your project should progress to full application. 

We have included a short article about the Conservation Fund into local parish newsletters and would be grateful if you are able to help to spread the word about the Fund locally. Attached with this email is a flyer for distribution.

Stephanie Hayes 

Promotions Officer  

Shropshire Hills National Landscape - new name for this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.   

direct line: 01743 254746 

general line: 01743 254740 

www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk   

Corvedale & District Autumn Show 2025 features various categories for exhibits, including vegetables, flowers, cookery, and handicrafts. FULL DETAILS Here 

**SECTION 1 VEGETABLES & FRUIT**
- Includes 22 classes for vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, beans, and pumpkins.
- Special awards for the heaviest marrow and biggest Halloween pumpkin.

**SECTION 2 FLOWERS**
- Features 7 classes for flower arrangements, including gladiolus and sweet peas.
- Awards for outstanding blooms and arrangements.

**SECTION 3 COUNTRYSIDE SECTION**
- Includes entries for hedgerow fruits and eggs.
- Focus on local produce and natural items.

**SECTION 4 PRESERVES**
- Categories for homemade jams, chutneys, and beverages.
- Emphasis on traditional preservation methods.

**SECTION 5 COOKERY**
- 5 classes for baked goods, including Victoria sponge and fruit crumble.
- Decoration is a key judging criterion for some entries.

**SECTION 6 FLOWERCRAFT**
- 6 classes for floral arrangements, including miniature and hand-held bouquets.
- Special novice trophy for new entrants.

**SECTION 7 HANDICRAFTS**
- 4 classes for various handicrafts, including painting and knitting.
- Encourages creativity and craftsmanship.

**SECTION 8 YOUNG PEOPLE’S SECTION UNDER 16**
- 6 classes for children’s creative entries, such as decorated plates and painted rocks.
- Entries judged by age group.

**SECTION 9 YOUNG PEOPLE’S COOKERY UNDER 16**
- 5 classes for young bakers, including Rice Krispies cakes and decorated cupcakes.
- Focus on creativity in decoration.

**SECTION 10 SPUD IN BUCKET CUP**
- Prizes: 1st £15, 2nd £10, 3rd £5 for potato entries.
- Must use seed potatoes from the show committee.

**ENTRY FORM**
- Entry forms due by September 2, 2025.
- Fees: 30p for adult classes, free for children.

**RULES FOR EXHIBITORS**
- Strict rules on entries, staging, and hygiene.
- Points awarded for placements: 1st = 3 pts, 2nd = 2 pts, 3rd = 1 pt.

REMEMBER ALL ENTRIES TO BE SENT IN BY TUESDAY 2nd September 2025

FULL DETAILS Here