Campaigners launch action to save Bridgnorth park
A volunteer group has launched a campaign to save a popular Bridgnorth country park under threat of development from Shropshire Council.
The Friends of Stanmore are rallying to save Stanmore Country Park from being released for mixed use development.
The initiative is part of the wider Stanmore Garden Village proposal in the Shropshire Local Plan Review.
Spanning 40 hectares of land and containing an estimated 100,000 trees, the park, located just east of Bridgnorth, has been managed by the group in partnership with Shropshire Council since 2013.
Local communities in and around the Bridgnorth area, including workers from the Stanmore Industrial Estate nearby, benefit from activities at the park, including bat and moth identification evenings, holiday celebrations and community projects such as the recently planted orchard.
The mixed mosaic of woodland plays an important habitat for insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals such as bats and a variety of birds including raptors.
About 2,500 people set foot on the grounds every month to wander wildflower meadows and small ponds.
Andy Howard, chair of Friends of Stanmore, said the green space needs to be kept for the sake of future generations.
Ecologically important
He said: "The park is ecologically important as, while we are surrounded by the bucolic Shropshire landscape, much of it is managed for arable agriculture."
Ruth Westerby, vice chair of the group, added: "The park is a wonderful green space which needs to be protected so it can continue to be enjoyed as a community focal point.
"Our community activities have fostered a sense of place, shared environment and pride in the area.
"This has led to a noticeable decline in anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and dog fouling in the park."
The Friends of Stanmore are encouraging residents to submit their individual objections to Shropshire Council.
The secretary of the group, Lucy Hockenhull, said: "A growing population with up to 850 new homes in the immediate area means an increased need of local green space which is essential not only for wildlife habitat preservation but also the wellbeing of local residents.
"The existing park should be protected for those new residents to enjoy and expanded to include the newly proposed green space areas along the Hermitage ridge."
