Three-week project starts for revamp of Dothill nature reserve
A three-week project at a nature reserve begins next week as part of the Love Your River Telford project.
The project at Dothill local nature reserve in Wellington will create a small area of wetland near the canal pools and restore an historic pond next to Beanhill Brook.
Work to create the wetland area will involve digging a channel between the two canal pools and rejoining them to improve flow.
A footbridge will be installed where a footpath crosses the new channel.
Shallow scrapes in the grassland to the west will then be dug to form an area for wetland habitat and a new overflow from the northernmost pool will filter water to the new wetland during periods of high water.
The Beanhill Brook pond restoration will include the installation of a new inlet pipe to capture high level flows from the Beanhill Brook and direct them into the pond area.
The remains of a stone weir to the north of the pond will also be restored to allow water to flow back into the Brook once a certain level is reached.
As heavy rainfall can wash pollutants into watercourses, the weir will improve water filtration and wildlife habitat.
The work is being done by Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of Dothill Local Nature Reserve, Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency.
Councillor John Minor, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for leisure, green spaces and parks, said: “Love Your River Telford is a fantastic project to improve the environment for the benefit of biodiversity and wildlife, and of course for all us nature lovers.
"Much has been achieved by everyone involved and I am pleased to see crews making a start on these jobs.”
Kirsty Brown, rivers project officer at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are delighted to be supporting these works on the local nature reserve, especially as the site has such a strong volunteer group – the Friends of Dothill Local Nature Reserve, often aided by the Junior Friends of Dothill LNR team from Dothill Primary School.
"Their passion and dedication to this beautiful wildlife haven is an inspiration.
"The funding from the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water is wonderful, as it is enabling these larger projects to happen.”
Local councillors Karen and Bill Tomlinson added: “We are really pleased with these schemes and were glad to help in a small way with our ward funds. These schemes will enhance the reserve and help protect residents from storm water. A big thanks to all involved and in particular the Friends of the Dothill local nature reserve who do so much.”
Work begins on Monday and is expected to take around three weeks to complete.
Although public access will be maintained throughout this time, there may be restricted access to some footpaths to allow for vehicle movements.
Anyone wanting more information about the works or the wider Love Your River Telford project can contact kirstyb@ShropshireWildlifeTrust.org.uk
