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.
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
