Shropshire’s beautiful countryside is home to some incredible species, but behind the scenery there is another story, wildlife is in crisis.

Lapwing are declining and threatened with extinction. Wildflower meadows have been lost so common spotted orchids and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies are rarer than ever. River wildlife has been destroyed limiting habitats for otters. New developments are threatening ponds that house great crested newts. Native woodland and hedgerows have been removed putting dormice at risk.

However, it is not too late. Vital conservation work can ensure these six species, and many others, are still here for generations to come.

Help save our species now

Since we were established in 1962, our nature reserves have become islands of hope. They have provided a diverse range of precious habitats essential for wildlife to survive and thrive. We have found dormice on our first nature reserve Earl's Hill. The small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly enjoys grassland habitats in the Oswestry Hills and the Stiperstones. We have great crested newts inhabiting ponds in Lightmoor, and across the county. Otters can be spotted in many of our rivers including the Severn and its tributaries. Rare orchids can be seen on Telford’s Granville Country Park as well as Llynclys Common and Melverley Meadows in north Shropshire. Lapwing, can be found at Wood Lane and our newest reserve, Sinker’s Fields on the edge of the Fenn’s Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve.

By making a donation today you will support the vital conservation of almost 1,000 hectares of land in over 40 locations across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, protecting these iconic six species for years to come.