Volunteers sought to help manage countryside sites across north Shropshire

Volunteers are being sought to help Shropshire Council manage its countryside sites across north Shropshire.

Shropshire Council is responsible for The Mere country park at Ellesmere and 13 countryside heritage sites, including Colemere, Brown Moss and Nesscliffe, covering over 300 hectares of land.

The Mere, Ellesmere

The Mere was recently awarded the Green Flag Award for the fourth year in a row, recognising it as one of the country’s best parks. The heritage sites are primarily for nature conservation, and for visitors to experience, enjoy and learn about conservation.

The 14 sites are managed by a small team based at the recently-refurbished Warden’s Bungalow that sits alongside The Mere – led by country parks and sites officer Shaun Burkey.

Shaun said:

“We’re always looking for more volunteers to help look after our sites, and there are lots of opportunities for people to get involved with habitat management or surveying flora and fauna.
“There’s also a considerable heritage element at our sites too – for example the Llanymynech Kiln and Nesscliffe Hillfort, and our work includes the conservation of these heritage sites.
“All the data gathered by our volunteers is fed back into the management of the sites, so people can have a real positive impact on the site management.
“The Mere is very much a partnership and an important part of the town and there are always opportunities for people to get involved in helping to look after it. More volunteers are always welcome – especially people with an interest in gardening who can help with the management of the site.
“The work of our volunteers is hugely important for the sites, for the planet, but also for people. It’s widely recognised now that spending time in green spaces benefits mental health – saving the country money on preventative medicine and care. And, the more you learn about the natural world, the greater your enjoyment.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of the countryside sites in north Shropshire, call Lee Fraser, volunteer co-ordinator on 01691 624448 or email lee.fraser@shropshire.gov.uk.