Telford adopts new nature reserve

Lightmoor, two miles north of the Ironbridge Gorge, will be formally adopted as a new nature reserve by Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet next Thursday.

The authority already has 13 reserves under its control, to which Lightmoor – home to woodland birds, newts, toads, frogs, reptiles and bats – will add.

Councillor John Minor, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, Green Spaces and Parks, said: “It has been shown that living close to accessible green spaces can promote public health and reduce levels of obesity, heart disease and reduce stress and depression.

“The designation of additional Local nature reserves further reflects the council’s commitment to promoting health and wellbeing."

The addition will mean Telford & Wrekin has 2.8 hectares of nature reserve per 1,000 people – almost three times the minimum standard.

The network of lanes which once connected the brick kilns and blast furnaces of the 18th Century lead to small patches of countryside which escaped the industrial revolution around them.

It now has high nature conservation and a high level of community interest. It is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council and managed by Shropshire Wildlife Trust under a 25-year management agreement.

There is also an area of floodplain meadow which is leased to the Lightmoor New Community on a 999-year lease.

Mary Lewis, resident of the Lightmoor New Community, said: "The residents of Lightmoor New Community are delighted to be involved in the creation of a new Local Nature Reserve. We love our little green corner of Telford and will continue to work with Shropshire Wildlife Trust to ensure that it continues to be a haven for wildlife and the local community.”

Jan McKelvey, Conservation Manager of The Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It is an appropriate accolade for this wildlife-rich area, and especially welcome news during the Telford’s 50th Birthday celebrations”

Following cabinet approval, a consultation document will be issued to Natural England to seek their formal “welcome” prior to the legal completion of the declaration.