Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Landscape Connections brings together farmers, communities, young people and conservation organisations to create a more resilient landscape for people and nature across the Shropshire Hills. Covering nearly 1000 square kilometres, the project will explore opportunities to restore and connect habitats, support farm resilience and strengthen ecological networks. It will also work with local communities to understand barriers to connecting with nature and trial new approaches, including community grants, helping to create lasting benefits for wildlife, landscapes and people in the Shropshire Hills.
Shropshire Hills Landscape Connections is a project bringing people, nature and heritage together to create a more connected and resilient landscape for future generations. It is part of a wider programme of Landscape Connections projects aimed specifically at protected landscapes (National Parks, National Landscapes and AONBs) across the UK.
The project will deliver transformative change across the Shropshire Hills, addressing the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, economic instability, social isolation, and unequal access to nature. Over ten years (made up of a two-year development phase and an eight-year delivery phase) the project will deliver activity across three themes: Climate Resilience, Farming & Nature, and Unequal Access to Nature.
This is a partnership project led by National Trust with key delivery partners being Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, Severn Rivers Trust and Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Project ideas have been developed collaboratively by a wider partnership including Upper Onny Farmers Group, Environment Agency and Natural England, informed by consultation with other local farmers, community groups and other stakeholders.
The project has been awarded development funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Landscape Connections programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This funding will support the partnership in developing detailed plans for a transformational long-term programme of work across the landscape.
October 2024 - February 2026
A project development group was formed, made up of National Trust, Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, Severn Rivers Trust, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Upper Onny Farmers Group, Natural England, Environment Agency and the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. Consultation was undertaken with farmers, community groups, other similar projects around the UK and other local stakeholders.
Inspiring, leading and resourcing the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.
Working in partnership to protect and regenerate the Shropshire Hills landscape for everyone to enjoy.
We strive to give wildlife and wild places the chance to thrive across Shropshire.
An independent environmental charity set up in 2008 to protect and enhance the river Severn, its tributaries and streams.