Solicitor found to help protect Shropshire woodlands

The development comes as the Plantation Wood Ellesmere group has taken the first steps in its bid take on the ownership of Plantation Nature Reserve in Sandy Lane.

The group is currently registering as a charity trust to enable the land to transfer into community ownership. The solicitor has offered to complete potentially expensive conveyancing work for free.

The plantation is a six-acre wood near the Mere which is used regularly by dog walkers and ramblers.

the need for new management came after Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) announced it could no longer afford to look after the reserve because of rising costs.

The group, which is made up of about 14 people, has agreed to set up and register a charitable trust ready to take on community ownership of the plantation from the Grosvenor Estate as a community asset.

Members previously appealed for legal help to check the documents from the Grosvenor Estates solicitors.

Margaret Lagoyianni, Ellesmere town councillor and member of the group, said: "To date an active and passionate committee of 14 people has been formed.

"The application to register the committee members as trustees with the charity commission has been submitted.

"This will generate a charity number, enabling funds to be raised to open the footpaths to the public.

"Funds will also be needed to pay for the public liability insurance and the on-going maintenance.

"Recently, there was a major breakthrough towards achieving the aims of the committee by procuring the services of a solicitor who has agreed to carry out the conveyance work free of charge.

"Several local solicitors were approached without a positive outcome. The solicitor who came forward represents Hibberts from Whitchurch. This is excellent news for the group.

"The Plantation Wood Ellesmere committee wish to encourage members of the public who enjoy walking to become a ‘Friend of the Plantation Wood’ by becoming a member and or volunteer. The membership is free."

Since 1984 the Ellesmere branch of SWT has looked after the reserve, leasing it from the Grosvenor Estate. The trust said it has spent thousands of pounds every year on tree surveys and other studies to ensure the safety of the woods.

Volunteers have helped maintain the area, regularly attracting butterflies such as the speckled wood and ringlet, while the rare small heath has also been spotted there.

However, it has announced it can no longer look after the area due to the “huge task” of maintaining health and safety surveys and upkeep for people who visit the site.

For more information, go to plantationwoodellesmere.org.uk.