Beauty spot could soon become a local nature reserve

The new status for the Cliffe near Ruyton-XI-Towns will recognise its value as an globally rare heathland habitat and treasured area of public open space.

A report to be considered by Shropshire Council’s cabinet next week says the designation for the 22-hectare site will bring benefits including the potential to attract more visitors, bid for external funding and offer an extra layer of protection from development.

The council has legal powers to dedicate new local nature reserves as long as the area being proposed meets certain requirements and is in the authority’s ownership. As the Cliffe, next to Nesscliffe Hill Country Park, is owned by Ruyton-XI-Towns Parish Council, which has given its support to the scheme, the cabinet is being asked to delegate authority to designate the reserve.

A report by Clare Featherstone, culture, leisure and tourism manager, says: “In 2019 Ruyton-XI-Towns Parish Council purchased the majority of this area of common land from the Bradford Estate. It is managed by Shropshire Council under a formal agreement.

"It is mostly open heathland landscape, one of the rarest type of habitat globally."

“Environmental designation raises the profile with the public and can increase visitor usage and the health and wellbeing benefits this provides.

Nesscliffe Country Park was one of four Shropshire Council-owned sites confirmed as reserves in September 2020. The council said at the time the Cliffe would be brought forward separately once plans had been finalised with the parish council.

“The site has seen a steady increase in visitor numbers in recent years particularly with regards mountain bikers, horse riders and pedestrians. The site is also popular for orienteering," the report says.