Residents and nature enthusiasts invited to Your Natural Heritage convention

Shropshire Council’s natural environment team will be hosting its 2011 Your Natural Heritage convention on Tuesday 15 November 2011 at the Millennium Hall, Cockshutt. 

The event from 7pm to 9.30pm is free, and open to everyone who has already taken part in the Your Natural Heritage project and anyone who is interested in joining in.  There will be an opportunity to browse displays from local wildlife groups, and receive advice on how to look after nature in your local area. 

Your Natural Heritage is funded by LEADER, an EU-funded programme with the aim to regenerate rural areas.  The project is approaching the end of its first year and surveys have begun in 22 parishes across north Shropshire.  Community groups have recorded hundreds of plants and animals, including some local and national priority species. Previously unknown areas of valuable habitat have been discovered, and practical conservation work funded at local sites.  

The groups have mapped around 3,173 hectares of habitats, which is equivalent to around 3,000 football pitches.  Notable species recorded are the Wall brown butterfly, Eurasian otter, Navelwort (plant) and water voles.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Cabinet member for sustainability, said:

“Your Natural Heritage is an excellent scheme that has helped communities across north Shropshire to know more about their local natural environment and discover local flora and fauna.  I encourage those who have participated in this valuable project and local residents to come along on Tuesday to see how our communities are enhancing their local environment.” 

The LEADER project also provides training, equipment and support to groups of residents, enabling them to find out about the biodiversity on their doorstep. 

For more information contact Gareth Parry on 01743 252543, gareth.parry@shropshire.gov.uk or see the Natural Shropshire website www.naturalshropshire.org.uk