 On 22 November, all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across England and Wales became known as National Landscapes.
The new name reflects the national importance of these areas: the vital contribution they make to help address the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis. The new name will also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work of the whole National Landscapes family.
This process started in 2019 with the national review of designated landscapes, when a range of measures were set out to update and strengthen the AONB landscape designation, and the organisations which support it.
The statutory purpose of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape is still to conserve and enhance natural beauty, but with a renewed mission to protect and regenerate our landscapes and make sure everyone can enjoy them.
You can read more about these changes here - News from our partners: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty renamed National Landscapes - Shropshire Council Newsroom,
 Over 140 young people, aged 12-16, have taken part in our Young Ranger programme over the last 3 years. They have experienced a wide range of activities from practical conservation work to learning new skills and taking part in outdoor adventures such as orienteering, rock climbing and canoeing. Watch our short film to find out what they have been up to and hear their thoughts on being a young ranger in the Shropshire Hills.
The project was in partnership with the South Shropshire Youth Forum, and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Although the funded programme has come to an end we are continuing to run monthly Young Rangers activities, having appointed Joe Penfold to a new Engagement Ranger post in the team. Joe will also be working with other groups and new audiences, aiming to provide opportunities for involvement to various underserved groups.
For more information please contact Joe Penfold, email: joe.penfold@shropshire.gov.uk
 Since September 2021, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has invested almost £2 million into farming projects in the Shropshire Hills, and we have a further £1.3 million to allocate in the programme’s final year (April 2024 to March 2025).
In November, over 70 farmers attended an event we organised to explain more about the programme, and to highlight the new Pasture for Life project in the Shropshire Hills. Pasture for Life is supporting farmers to take a different approach to grazing management to improve pasture and animal health, reduce costs and enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Downton Estate Farm Manager, James Turner, was able to talk about his approach to pasture fed cattle, explaining how he has reduced the use of imported feeds and is working towards minimising the use of chemical inputs. The Estate has received a grant from the Farming in Protected Landscape programme to support this work.
In January, we are holding a further online event for farmers and land managers to find out more about the programme. We want to encourage those that haven’t applied for a grant to do so, and help them to develop any project ideas they may have.
To support this final year of funding, we have welcomed two new members to the team, Helen Oliver and Jenny Wakeman. Helen is working alongside Alison Jones as Farming in Protected Landscapes advisers, and Jenny is our new administrator for the programme.
The Shropshire Hills Conservation Fund supports projects to deliver practical conservation work and/or educational and awareness-raising activities relating to the Shropshire Hills and its conservation, especially involving young people.
We are inviting applications for projects to start in April 2024. If you, or your community group, have a project idea please get in touch. Grants range from £500 to £2,000 and are generally awarded for activity within a particular Financial Year (April to the end of March).
 This year we trialled a new Shuttle route and timetable. Following feedback from passengers we were able to test adjustments to the timetable in October, which we'll put in place for 2024.
We would like to thank the many frequent shuttle bus users from the community who turned out to test the new timetable and provide feedback. It was generally felt that the new route was more useful, allowing greater opportunity to visit local businesses and attractions as well as more frequent access to central area of the Long Mynd and Stiperstones.
We still need your help - If you have used the bus and have thoughts of how it can be improved please get in touch. You can either email us at shropshirehills-nl@shropshire.gov.uk. You can also contact us through our Facebook page and leave a comment.
Please join our mailing list – next year we will be publishing a newsletter to keep the community informed of our plans for the service and promote activities and events along the route. We will also invite you to share your experiences of the shuttle and the many walks and other activities you enjoy whilst using it. If you’d like to join the mailing list please send us your email (email address above).
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