Christmas joy has arrived for the Flourish & Nourish volunteer group, which has won Severn Trent’s inaugural NeighbourGOOD award, marking a significant boost for community gardening efforts in Cleobury Mortimer. The group, dedicated to nurturing local green spaces, will receive support from Severn Trent volunteers alongside up to £2,500 for material costs aimed at their Community Kitchen Garden and Memorial Orchard project.
The much-anticipated community initiative, backed by Severn Trent, is set to provide practical support and volunteer manpower for Flourish & Nourish. Local employees from the water company are poised to lend their hands to the project starting in 2025, bolstered by the enthusiastic online vote from the public, which crowned Flourish & Nourish as Shropshire winners after passing through the scrutiny of independent judges.
Five dedicated women are spearheading the project, envisioning not just flora, but also fostering community ties through nature. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be the local winners of the Severn Trent NeighbourGOOD scheme and want to thank all who voted for us,” said Katja Jones, the Volunteer Coordinator. Plans for the project include creating fenced areas, groundwork preparation, and the planting of orchards—phase one of what promises to be something truly special.
The granular plan aims to enrich mental health and well-being through nature-inspired activities, prompting community involvement. “We have so many exciting plans for this Community Garden and can’t wait to get started!” Jones expressed. The funds and physical assistance from Severn Trent volunteers mark the beginning of what will flourish as the gates swing open to the local community come spring.
Also focused on environmental priorities is the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, which aims to safeguard Betchcott Hill, known for its breathtaking views and ecological diversity. This iconic 50-hectare site, situated within the Shropshire Hills—renowned for its beauty and wildlife—has never been legally protected. Currently, the Trust is pursuing their largest-ever fundraising target to acquire and protect this scenic spot.
Tom Freeland, the head of nature reserves for the Trust, remarked on the area’s rich biodiversity: “It’s got some special species like curlew and lapwing and brown hare. It’s also got a lovely range of habitats.” This region serves as a pivotal ecological bridge, merging ridges of the Long Mynd and the Stipperstones which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also its conservation relevance.
The grassland at Betchcott Hill has typically been suboptimal for biodiversity due to sheep grazing. The Wildlife Trust plans to switch to more wildlife-friendly cattle grazing methods, utilizing no-fence collars which allow for sensitive movement and spreading green hay to inspire diverse flowering potential. Rare species such as the bilberry bumblebee and the small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly could resettle if the environment becomes more conducive to their needs.
One of the main motivations for this initiative is to bolster the breeding success of ground-nesting birds like the curlew, which have been struggling with predation issues. Freeland explained, “The breeding pair of curlew which uses the hillside in summer have not fledged young successfully for several years,” urging the importance of creating habitats with longer grass to provide shelter for young birds.
Considering the intersection of conservation and community engagement, the Trust also aims to open new trails and facilitate greater public access to Betchcott Hill, promoting awareness and appreciation for natural spaces. Freeland emphasized, “You can see quite a lot of the county from Betchcott Hill, and it’s a place we want people to be inspired by.” He indicates the organization’s goal of fostering action for nature rather than imposing barriers.
To realize their aspirations for Betchcott Hill, the Shropshire Wildlife Trust has already secured £975,000 from grants and donations, with just £138,000 more required by the year’s end. Their fundraising campaign aims to conclude this season, underlining how community-driven efforts can overlap with larger conservation goals.
Both the Flourish & Nourish initiative and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust's project exhibit the power of community involvement and the surge of grassroots movements aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation and community health. With continued support, Shropshire stands poised to become even more vibrant and ecologically rich.
