Tourism businesses offered a day of landscape discovery

The borderlands of north Shropshire, south Cheshire and Wales are one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, and a day of discovery has been organised specifically for tourism businesses in the area to find out more.

A Meres and Mosses Learning Journey on Tuesday 22 October 2013 is offered by the Meres and Mosses Landscape Partnership Scheme and Shropshire Council for proprietors and staff of businesses in, or related to, the tourism industry.

The Meres and Mosses is a Nature Improvement Area – one of only 12 in the UK.  It is beautiful, easily accessible and endlessly interesting for both its history and its wildlife.  It is, however, not as well-known as other areas of the county, even to those who live and work in north Shropshire.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member responsible for tourism, said:

“It is difficult sometimes for tourism business operators to take the time to increase their own knowledge of Shropshire.  There’s nothing like first-hand experience, and the Learning Journey will pay dividends in helping businesses sell the wider attractions of the area and encourage visitors to stay longer.”

Luke Neal, Community Officer for the Meres & Mosses Partnership, said:

“The Learning Journey will introduce tourism businesses to the best and easiest spots for their visitors and guests to enjoy the landscape and the new facilities in the area as well as give ideas for using The Meres and Mosses to attract customers.”

The area has £2 million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, DEFRA and Northern Marches LEADER for conservation, heritage, community, access and learning projects.  The projects are being implemented now and over the next five years by a partnership – The Meres and Mosses Landscape Partnership Scheme – led by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and including organisations from Shropshire, Cheshire, Wales and national groups.

The Meres and Mosses Learning Journey is part of a programme of activities undertaken through the Shropshire Borderlands Destination Partnership. The Destination Partnership involves the public and private sector working together to develop tourism across Oswestry and north Shropshire.

The Meres and Mosses Learning Journey is free to proprietors and staff of tourism-related businesses and organisations in north Shropshire and Oswestry areas, and across the border in south Cheshire and Wrexham.  However, booking is advised as places are limited.

For more information about the day or to book, you can contact Alison Patrick, tourism officer at Shropshire Council, on 01743 252546 or email alison.patrick@shropshire.gov.uk