Natural England is seeking the views of people in Shropshire on a proposed 5,000ha extension to the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve.
The proposal is to extend the existing reserve by joining up with landowners and partners to increase the land declared as a National Nature Reserve by up to 5,000ha on the English/Welsh border.
Residents, landowners and anyone with an interest can attend a public drop-in session taking place between 6:00p.m and 9:00p.m on Wednesday, February 7 at the village hall in Snailbeach near Shrewsbury to share their views.
The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve is made up of a wild landscape of uplands, lowlands and woodland that attracts birds including red grouse, red kite, skylark, and snipe.
It is home to insects ranging from the hairy wood ant to the small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.
Deputy director for Natural England in the West Midlands, Emma Johnson, said: “There’s a great opportunity here in Shropshire to create better and bigger places for nature, that people can enjoy too.
“A ‘super’ National Nature Reserve joining up land with partners would be so beneficial, for example soaking up huge amounts of carbon and helping to reduce flooding downstream.
“Everyone is invited to find out more at the drop-in session where they will be able to talk to people from Natural England and some of the partner organisations involved.
“There’ll be lots of information about the proposal, we really want to hear what people think.”
The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve will be one of the Kings Series of National Nature Reserves which were launched last year to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The plans will see the creation of five major National Nature Reserves named every year for the next five years – 25 in total, leaving a lasting public legacy for people and nature.
