Council aims to declare new nature reserve in Telford

A report to be presented to a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet on Thursday will recommend it approves the declaration of The Cockshutt as a recognised Local Nature Reserve.

Once approved, the council will proceed to consult with Natural England, before the site receives formal declaration.

The declaration of The Cockshutt will take the borough’s total number of Local Nature Reserves to 17 – the figure that Telford & Wrekin Council originally aimed to achieve by 2031. Having met this target, the authority is now looking to declare further sites and also looking at opportunities to expand its existing Local Nature Reserves into other adjoining ecologically rich habitats.

If declared, the new site will mean the 17 Local Nature Reserves cover an area of more than 550ha, approximately 3.12ha per 1,000 of the population, which is triple the minimum recommended standard set by Natural England.

Situated between Oakengates, Wrockwardine Wood and St. Georges, The Cockshutt covers an area of 33ha comprising of a diverse habitat including grassland and broadleaved woodland. It is regularly enjoyed by residents from the Wrockwardine Wood & Trench and St. Georges & Priorslee Parish areas as it provides a good network of paths ideal for dog walkers, casual walkers, horse riders and school children.

The council’s proposal is strongly supported by ward members, local parish councils and a number of local groups, in particular the Friends of The Cockshutt – part of the Telford Green Space Partnership.

The site has been identified as an area meeting the criteria to be declared a Local Nature Reserve due to its important role in preserving and protecting wildlife, geological features and offering people opportunities to study, learn about or simply enjoy nature. The site is home to bats and priority species of birds and insects, including Dingy Skippers and Green Hairstreak butterflies.

The report highlights the site’s positive impact in helping to address climate change challenges at local level, with The Cockshutt woodlands alone capturing and storing 265 tonnes of greenhouse gas per year.

It also identifies the wealth of benefits to physical and mental health that these green spaces offer to the local community.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, cabinet member for visitor economy, historic and natural environment, and climate change, said: “Access to high quality green space is so important to health and wellbeing at all stages in life. Children learn through play in these spaces, developing skills and discovering ways to deal with stress and adversity in life. Activities in nature can also have a significant impact on reducing social isolation and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults.

“I’m delighted that most borough towns now have a Local Nature Reserve within walking distance from people’s home. They’re a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Steve Reynolds, chairman of Friends of The Cockshutt, added: “The Cockshutt is visited 252,500 times a year by local residents and visitors. I’m very pleased that the council is supporting its declaration as a Local Nature Reserve and grateful that our community has this asset on their doorstep and most importantly to protect this unspoilt natural area for future generations.”