We have highlighted 10 key things that are called for by the new AONB Management Plan, 2019-20. This includes greater consideration of the valuable AONB landscape in planning decisions, especially about major developments, and collaboration to find a sustainable future for farming especially in the uplands. Follow the link to read the 10 key points http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Shropshire-Hills-AONB-Management-Plan-10-points.pdf
Public consultation ends on 16th January. Click on the image to read the draft Plan and how to feedback your comments.

Sustainable Tourism Officer, Nigel McDonald, boarded the Eurostar for Brussels earlier this month to represent the AONB at the Europarc Federation. The Shropshire Hills have been re-awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. This recognises our work to support environmentally positive tourism in the AONB, which includes working closely with tourism bodies, businesses and communities, running the Shuttle Buses and working with partners to manage visitors. Follow the link to find out more http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/aonb-partnership/sustainable-tourism-charter/

Friends makes for a thoughtful festive gift

Struggling with what to give this Christmas?  How about an annual Friends subscription?  This starts from as little as £3/month. Monies raised go into the AONB Conservation Fund to support practical projects which conserve and raise awareness of this special landscape, its diverse wildlife and rich heritage.  Find out more at http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/a-special-place/friends/

Over the coming months, local contractors will be planting over 3,000 native trees and shrubs in the Clun catchment, thanks to funding from WREN, (through the Clun Recovery Project) and the Woodland Trust. The planting mix includes over 14 species, typically found along river banks and in flood prone areas, such as Alder, Black poplar, Willow and Hazel. Creating new riparian woodland in buffer strips along the river banks will help to reduce soil loss from bank erosion, and prevent valuable soil and nutrients entering the watercourse. Over time, the tree cover will also provide shade, cover and food for invertebrates and fish, birds and mammals that depend on the freshwater environment.

The recently federated primary schools of Chirbury, Stiperstones & Norbury are helping us trial activities in the development phase of the national Commons Project - Our Common Cause.  Around 50 children have made two visits to the Long Mynd to find out about commons, meet the commoners, their sheep and sheepdogs.  Through these outdoor adventures the children are working to achieve their John Muir Award.  Similar activities will be broadened to other local schools in 2020 if the delivery phase of the Lottery funded Our Common Cause project is approved.