Plans unveiled for riverside wildlife

Red Kite Network, a local landscape architecture, ecology and greenspace consultancy, is working with Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shrewsbury Town Council to develop ideas for Monkmoor Meadows.

The 10 hectare site is located on the banks of the River Severn, and covers the expanse of grassland from the Monkmoor Community Woodland in the south to the underpass of the A49 in the north. The site is owned and maintained by Shrewsbury Town Council, and is a popular public greenspace for local residents, dogwalkers and anglers.

Red Kite Network Limited, which is based in Coalport, have been appointed by Shropshire Wildlife Trust to prepare a feasibility study and masterplan for the site. The project will aim to enhance the biodiversity value and natural flood management of Monkmoor Meadows.

Pete Lambert, river projects manager at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: "The green spaces along the Severn in Shrewsbury offer some of the best opportunities to directly encounter wildlife whether feather, fin or paw.

"We feel that the Monkmoor Meadows might be able to offer more for people and wildlife than it does now and we are very keen to hear local views on the future care of this popular riverside space."

Matt Wilcoxon, countryside and green space team leader at Shrewsbury Town Council, added: "This is an ideal opportunity to enhance a large area of open space for both wildlife and people. The location of the land, on the edge of town and next to the river, gives it great potential for improvement."

A consultation has now opened and Red Kite, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shrewsbury Town Council want to hear the public's views and ideas.

To take part complete an online survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6ZNT6FM.

A visitor survey and a series of drop-in sessions will be held at a date to be arranged. Details will be announced shortly.