Shropshire Council sent this bulletin at 14-07-2017 03:32 PM BST
Dear Subscriber
Supporting the wonderful landscape, wildlife and heritage of the Shropshire Hills
Friends of the Shropshire Hills AONB recently met with
AONB Partnership members and AONB Trust trustees to see some of the local conservation projects their membership is currently enabling. The 30 or so people attending the event explored an exciting arts in the countryside programme and initiatives conserving threatened butterflies, managing roadside verges for wildlife and improving access to local wetlands.
Friends membership starts from as little as £2/month and subscriptions now
go through our registered
charity, the Shropshire Hills AONB Trust, to support projects that conserve, enhance and raise awareness of the AONB. All the information you need to become a Friend is available at www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/a-special-place/friends/ or by ringing the AONB Partnership on 01743 254740.
Recovery Site in tip-top condition
Natural
England’s Species Specialist, Gavin Measures, recently visited the River Clun
to see the habitat creation work at a site earmarked as a pearl mussel
recovery site. The river is one of only three in
England designated as a European Special Area of Conservation
for its population of freshwater
pearl mussels. Through the River Clun Recovery Project, we have completed much of
the practical work needed to get the 0.8km stretch of river into tiptop
condition.
Coppicing over mature or diseased alders, creating wide
buffer strips and wooded areas, and controlling where livestock drink, has reduced erosion of the riverbank and restored riparian
habitats. Boulders placed on the riverbed have enhanced substrate to
create microhabitat for pearl mussels, and a concrete track minimises sediment
entering the river at the ford crossing.
Moving this iconic species is a last
resort, but the recovery site provides a realistic chance to keep pearl mussels
thriving in the River Clun. Hopefully over
time, as conditions improve catchment wide,
pearl mussels may arrive under their own steam along with a host of other freshwater life. We are grateful for the
support of farmers, partners and funders who
have helped to make a real difference to this very special river.
Sustainable tourism in the Shropshire Hills
The countryside and towns of the Shropshire Hills are a big part
of the appeal of Shropshire to visitors, and the AONB is very important to
the county’s economy. The AONB Partnership’s work with Shropshire Hills
Tourism and other partners is acknowledged through the area’s accreditation
as a sustainable tourism destination. Over the coming months the
Sustainable Tourism Strategy is being reviewed and updated. Lots of
progress has been made in recent years, and the context has also changed
through the continued rise in electronic communications and reductions in
public sector funding, but the main priorities of the Strategy still seem
relevant. These are - strengthening the identity of the area,
delivering good experiences of the landscape, towns and local food, informing
visitors, managing visitor pressures and supporting businesses. A
survey of businesses this summer will be followed by a workshop discussion
and a new Strategy in the autumn. Follow the link to fill in the survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/shrophillsbiz.
Myndtown Church has emerged from scaffolding after an extensive programme of renovation.Nestled at the foot of the Long Mynd, this tiny 12th century church is Grade II listed. Research during the renovation project has revealed that one of the two small church bells dates around 1150s making it one of the oldest on the National Bell Register.
Mitchell’s Fold folklore explored in an exciting new project
Medgel-‘Portrait of a Witch’ is a collaborative piece
between visual artist, storytellers and film which will explore the landscape and components that make someone be
identified as a witch. Through quite challenging abstract art and witch related
artefacts we will unpick together the story of Medgel, the Shropshire witch
imprisoned in Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle, and explore our own thoughts and
feelings about the historical and current issues of otherness, fear, prejudice,
punishment and misogyny suffered by those called witch.Join the artists on Saturday 30th
September, 3pm for a Story & Art walk on Stapeley Common, followed by
an evening at the Bog Visitor Centre, 7pm.For more information and other event dates, see www.amlartist.com.
Photograph courtesy of David Croker.
18 local projects supported by the AONB Conservation Fund
Over £20,000 has been awarded this year by the Shropshire Hills AONB Trust to 18 projects which help to conserve, enhance and raise awareness of the AONB. The projects include a Wild Art Museum, wildlife surveys in churchyards, awaresness raising activities in schools and helping young people connect with their local landscape.
The Shropshire Hills is the star of Stan’s Cafe’s performance The Camp on 21st-23rd July. The Birmingham based theatre company are setting up camp and spending 48 hours on two Iron Age sites at Earl's Hill, Pontesford.Four actors, dressed as travellers from a speculative time in the future, will be living a minimal life on the hill without current technology and using recycled resources. Everyone is welcome to visit The Camp.Come with an open mind and a sense of playful adventure and see what Stan’s Café is up to!There is also the opportunity to camp overnight – booking essential, follow the link for details http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/2017/06/27/time-travellers-invite-you-to-the-camp-21-23-july-pontesford/
The Camp is part of the Heartland Project. Three artists are exploring different ways of seeing and understanding our fragile Shropshire Hills landscape. A series of outdoor singing workshops and large-scale landscape interventions (photograph opposite)are also part of the mix.
"Perfect day, brilliant songs connecting
not just to the landscape but also to the people of the past (and of myth and
legend). Loved that. Wish I’d been able to come to more." Singing workshop feedback.
Support the Shuttles and enjoy the sound of music inspired by the Shropshire Hills
Make time this summer to support the Shuttle Buses. The route over the Long Mynd and around the Stiperstones has to be one of the most scenic bus rides you can take. In September, choral music that has been inspired by the Shropshire Hills and created in situ, will be playing on the buses. This is the culmination of the Heartland singing workshops, led by composer, Mary Keith. The Shuttle Buses are running until 24th September. Timetable, route map, ticket prices and suggested walks are on the website at http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/enjoying-the-shropshire-hills/shuttles/
Outdoor Adventures in the Shropshire Hills
Funding from the AONB Conservation Fund helps South
Shropshire Youth Forum (SSYF) to run activities for young people in the Clee
Hills and Church Stretton area.This
summer, the Clee Young Rangers have a series of activity days planned, which
include conservation tasks, natural history sessions, some training and lots of
outdoor adventure. Join them on their Open Day next Thursday 20th
July, 7pm, Rec Rooms in Clee Hill village to find out what they're up to
and how to get involved.In Church
Stretton, SSYF is working with students, aged 13 – 16.Rectory Woods and Carding Mill Valley are the outdoor
classrooms for hands-on learning experiences.In both cases, the young people play an active part in the programme development,
so that the activities respond to their needs and interests.For more information about South Shropshire Youth Forum
see http://www.ssyf.net/home
Pop-up Art Gallery at Blakemoorgate Cottages this summer
WALK, EXPLORE and CREATE up at the Blakemoorgate Cottages between 3rd & 6th August. Under your own steam, walk up to the Squatters Cottages, take in the view and bring a picnic. Be inspired by the landscape, heritage, flora and fauna.
The Rural Services Network is the national champion for rural
services. Their mission is to ensure rural areas have a strong voice to shape
a new agenda for the countryside.Follow this link to fill
in a survey to gather opinions and experiences of life in rural England https://glos.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/rsnruralsurvey
Shropshire Hills AONB is one of 46 AONBs in the UK. The AONB Partnership is hosted by Shropshire Council and funded also by
Defra, Telford & Wrekin Council and project funders.