"Real gem" at Beeches Field in Ironbridge named a Local Nature Reserve

Beeches Field, near Ironbridge, has joined nearly 1,300 other sites around the country deemed important for its wildlife, geology, educational possibilities and public enjoyment.

The large group, which included Telford Mayor Councillor Steven Reynolds and other local councillors, gathered on Sunday afternoon to thank the people and organisations which had contributed to the success.

Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for Ironbridge Gorge, said: "It was a wonderful occasion that saw everyone involved in this project come together to celebrate this brilliant achievement.

"The Beeches Field Nature Reserve has a high ecological value and variety of species and habitats to explore. The designation as a local nature reserve not only protects a variety of wildlife, but also for the many members of the community that use and experience what this idyllic site has to offer for generations to come.

"This project demonstrates the successes that can come from community and partnership working and many congratulations to everyone involved."

Councillor Reynolds opened the event, referring to the site with its restored pond as a “real gem”.

Fran Lancaster, planning ecologist with the council, explained the ecological value of the site and its importance as a link in a green corridor extending from the Town Park to south Telford and Ironbridge.

Lindsay Ward, who was involved in the project, said: "The group gathered at the high point on the site which has extensive views along the Ironbridge Gorge and all enjoyed the sunshine on the newly mown fields and the celebration cakes and soft drinks donated by the local Moores shop.

"Local ecologists led a walk around the site and the children had fun exploring and pond-dipping."

Local nature reserve status provides recognition of the value of the site to wildlife and as an asset to be enjoyed by the local community.

Achieving the status has involved the volunteers of Ironbridge Meadows and Pastures group working with the council and Natural England to manage the site and plan for its long-term future.

The pond, with its variety of wildlife, was restored last winter with the help of a grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust. Both the borough and parish councils have supported the project.

The people behind the scheme said that sites such as Beeches Field, once a brick and tileworks, help to transform the old mining and industrial landscape of Telford into a green urban landscape.