Six decades of nature conservation for Shropshire
Celebrate with us!
In July, we began celebrating with communities, volunteers, businesses and other supporters across the county. It is 60 years since Shropshire Wildlife Trust was formed as a champion for wildlife, at a time of sweeping changes to agriculture, industry and development.
Since then, the Trust has gone from strength to strength. Earl's Hill became our first nature reserve when it was acquired in 1964 and the Trust now cares for over 40 nature reserves across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Many of our nature reserves have been purchased thanks to funds raised by our members and supporters, in addition to grants and funding donated by a variety of charitable trusts and businesses.
To celebrate, we are looking at Shropshire Wildlife Trust's past and present work, and more importantly, our vision for the future.
Earl's Hill in 1953.
Our founder members in 1987.
Ways to support wildlife for the future
We couldnt do the work we do without your support.
By making a donation today you will support the vital conservation of almost 1,000 hectares of land in 41 locations across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, protecting wildlife for years to come.
Lasting legacies
Over the decades, we have been proud to be involved with large scale projects, including the Back to Purple Project, which was run in partnership with National Trust and English Nature (now Natural England). Large areas of Shropshire's upland heath were restored and are now enjoyed by visitors from all over the country.
From 2012, we worked in partnership on the Meres and Mosses Project, which aimed to restore large sections of the UK's third largest lowland-raised peatbog. The "Meres and Mosses" was the vision of a founding member of the Trust, Charles Sinker as far back as the 1960s and we are pleased to now have a bird hide open for use at Charles Sinker Fields.
The expansion of our Education and Learning department has allowed us to inspire even young people to connect with nature. We have been fortunate to receive NextDoor Nature funding which will enable engagement activities to ripple through with a butterfly effect as communities are empowered to take action themselves.
During 2022 , we'll also share some of the highlights of the last 60 years and some first-hand accounts of key moments in our history.
Celebrating our 60th anniversary is not all about the Trust, we would like to hear from you.
Have you any stories or photos (or video clips) you would like to share about nature projects you have worked on, connecting with nature or interesting wildlife seen in the area? What are your thoughts about the future for Shropshire's wildlife and habitats; and what would you hope for during the next 60 years? Do get in touch at hello@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk as we'd love to include this in our magazines and newsletters.
And dont forget to tag us in social media an use #SWTat60 in any posts!
Our President, Lady Veronica Cossons MBE, shares one of her most memorable moments of her involvement with the Trust:
"One of my fondest memories of my time with SWT was Sir David Attenborough’s visit to Telford in 1985. We were busy locally in Telford with “Is there Wildlife in Telford?” and there was a group of very keen people promoting the way areas were being regenerated.
A Telford branch was launched and David Attenborough came to give a talk at Telford Ice Rink, where the ice was regularly covered to create a venue for events and concerts. It was great fun but as time went by everybody started freezing from the feet up as the effect of the ice came through! Sir David was very good about it but I think he was frozen by the end of the evening and I think he will remember that event to this day!"
Bumper Bunting
We are are extremely grateful to everyone who has created nature themed bunting triangles for our Heritage Garden at The Cut Visitor Centre. We have received a huge variety of designs ranging from painted and drawn artwork to sewn and appliqued pieces,
Thank you to all those individuals and community groups who have taken the time and effort to be part of our display.