Blog: Volunteers map Shropshire’s biodiversity

Volunteers surveying in the Tern Valley Photo:Bernard Beekes

Shropshire wildlife enthusiasts have taken part in a large scale mapping project, providing a new picture of the county’s biodiversity.

Winter 2012 sees the culmination of an ambitious project funded by LEADER.  The initial aim was to help communities to survey their local habitats and wildlife; however, as the project grew, it produced far broader benefits for Shropshire’s biodiversity and communities.  The project highlighted the importance of volunteering for wildlife conservation.  Over the past two years, local groups have made important discoveries, produced valuable habitat information and helped to restore wildlife areas.  Active community wildlife groups, working to monitor and conserve their local biodiversity, would be a fantastic legacy. 

The terrific work of local volunteers does not have to end here; there are still plenty of uncharted habitats and wildlife to discover and you could get involved.

Many of our Shropshire’s most loved green spaces are looked after by small groups of volunteers.  These sites often contain significant wildlife interest.  The efforts of local volunteers are invaluable for restoring and preserving the biodiversity value of these sites, but there are rarely enough volunteers.

If everyone who enjoys nature contributed just a few hours, once or twice a year, to help manage a local wildlife area, it would make a real difference.  Practical management is rewarding, great exercise and can be a lot of fun.  There is usually time for a cuppa and biscuits or cake as well.

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to join a county species recording group.  Shropshire is blessed with some very knowledgeable specialist groups, covering a wide diversity of species.  The groups are very cheap to join and welcome people of all abilities, from complete novices to national experts.  A full list of the groups and contact details can be found on the Natural Shropshire website.

Shropshire Council’s natural environment team are looking to secure further grant funding, in order to continue developing and supporting community wildlife groups…so watch this space.

Dr Gareth Parry, community biodiversity officer in Shropshire Council’s natural environment team, says:-

Key Achievements of the LEADER funded project:

• 321 participants contributed 1,900 hours to survey and conserve local wildlife habitats.
• Volunteers mapped ~9,000 ha of countryside, discovering 213 ha of UK priority habitat.
• 500 + species records submitted to the Shropshire Ecological Data Network.
• Volunteer input worth in excess of £15,000.
• Eight projects to restore or create local wildlife areas.
• 7,000+ people benefiting from improvements to local green space.
• Estimated £40,000 of work provided to local business.