Want to know more about the work of a Shropshire Council countryside officer?

Edward Andrews, parks and green space officer, will be giving an illustrated talk on Thursday 19 November 2015, looking at the work of a Shropshire Council countryside officer and how the balance between managing parks for people and wildlife is achieved.

The talk ‘Butterflies, bees, blooms and birdsong: Managing parks for people and wildlife’ will be held in the visitor centre at Severn Valley Country Park from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Ed began working as a volunteer at the Severn Valley Country Park over 12 years ago and now manages the park along with many nature reserves and green spaces across the south Shropshire area.

The beautiful and diverse Shropshire landscape guarantees that the sites managed by Mr Andrews offer a fascinating variety of habitats for many different plant and wildlife species.

Did you know that one site is home to the largest inland population of an endangered butterfly? Other parks have species-rich hay meadows covered with wild orchids and rare wildflowers. An old quarry has recently been converted into a brand new nature reserve and surveys have now shown that it is home to a nationally scarce species of bee. Some sites have connections with famous writers like Mary Webb and even the landscape designer Capability Brown.

On the day you will learn about the techniques and tools that Shropshire Council uses to manage these precious sites for people and for wildlife. For example, the declines that we have seen in bees and other pollinating insects has led Shropshire Council to try new approaches to park management such as creating wildflower beds to replace short-mown grass. You will be able to discover the hidden secrets from Shropshire parks and nature reserves with this illustrated talk.

Edward Andrews said:

“Shropshire Council parks and nature reserves are special places much loved by people who need to escape from the stresses and strains of normal life.”

The talk costs £4 for adults and £2 for children. The price includes a hot drink and biscuits. Please call 01746 781 192 to book your place.

Further information

To arrange a pre-event photograph or for further information from Severn Valley Country Park, call 01746 781 192.