Support the Stepping Stones Appeal

Areas of heathland, flower-rich grassland and wetland were once extensive across the Shropshire hills, providing homes for wildlife including the dormouse, curlew, mountain pansy and small pearl bordered fritillary butterfly. All of these species have declined over the past 20 years, partly because their habitats have been cut off and isolated. Help us to create stepping stones and corridors between these remaining habitats to give plants and animals the chance to thrive in this special landscape.

Low cloud draped over the Shropshire Hills

How the appeal adds up

The project area covers 220km² of the Shropshire Hills
The curlew has declined 77% in the last 20 years here in Shropshire
We're creating corridors of habitats by connecting 2 major nature reserves - Long Mynd and the Stiperstones
Stepping Stones is a 50 year vision for a Shropshire landscape rich in wildlife

Donate to Support the Stepping Stones Appeal

Please select an amount

£15 Yellow rattle is known as the ‘meadow maker’ and plays an important role in meadow restoration by suppressing the coarse grass species and allowing fine grasses and wild flowers to establish. Your £15 donation will buy 100g of yellow rattle seed which will help restore 100m2 of meadow.

£50 Fencing is a hugely important tool for us. We use it to protect newly planted hedgerow, and to ensure that grazing animals are kept where they are meant to be, when they are meant to be there! £50 will pay for 5m of fencing.

Volunteers installing some fencing as part of the Stepping Stones project in South Shropshire

£130 Bats need corridors of hedgerow, trees or scrub to move through the landscape. £130 will buy a radio tag for a bat. Tracking their movements using a radio tag can help us understand how connected - or fragmented - the landscape is, and where to target hedgerow planting or restoration.

Or enter your own amount that's £3 or more

Sheep grazing on the Long Mynd in South Shropshire — Sheep grazing on the Long Mynd

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd Shropshire

Stepping Stones Project

Find out all about this landscape scale project in the Shropshire Hills and how you can be involved.

Find out more

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For everyone, for ever.

Fundraising Regulator