Transformed look for the Old Racecourse in Oswestry

Oswestry’s Old Racecourse recently underwent something of a transformation when for the first time in many years the bracken on the north common was cut.

The Racecourse is managed by Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service, in partnership with Oswestry Racecourse Management Association (ORMA).

ORMA is composed of local residents and commoners, and provides a vital element in the successful management of the Racecourse for people and wildlife.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for parks and open spaces, said:

“The recent bracken clearance has dramatically opened up the north common, making it less intimidating for walkers and giving the heather and bilberry a chance of taking hold.  Some particularly fine ongoing work happening here.”

Shaun Burkey, Shropshire Council’s greenspace officer, said:

“The site is showing signs of ‘wanting’ to become lowland heathland, a very important habitat, and we must therefore control the spread of bracken. To keep costs down we are investigating the possibility that the bracken could be used for local sustainable energy production in anaerobic digesters.”

David Lloyd MBE, who represents Shropshire Council on the management committee, said:

“The latest measures were discussed during a walk of the common to discuss a work programme that has yielded a dividend that is good for visitors and commoners.”

Trevor Davies, a local Shropshire Councillor for Gobowen, Selattyn and Weston Rhyn, said:

“A big thank you, recognising many years of hard work, goes to the residents and volunteers who have taken part in controlling the heath.”

If anyone would like to learn more about this project or get involved with ORMA then please call Shaun Burkey on 01691 624448, email: shaun.burkey@shropshire.gov.uk.