Natural & Built Environment
The Countryside Team has installed bat and bird boxes along Castle Walk Countryside area as part of the new nature trail project. The boxes were kindly made for the Council by Shrewsbury Men's Shed. Bird Boxes have also been installed at Greenfields Recreation Ground, Raby Crescent Recreation Ground and Mousecroft Community Woodland.
Whilst cleaning and repairing the birdboxes at Mousecroft Community Woodland in readiness for next year's brood, our Countryside team discovered a wood mouse family living rent free!
Shrewsbury Town Fisheries manage the town’s fishing rights both along the River Severn and in a number of pools. All fishing income is re-invested back into managing the environment around the river. This has included creating new fishing pegs for both able bodied and disabled anglers; managing the river banks; removal of algal bloom from the ponds and improving footway access.
A full season of tree work had been completed including the removal of trees identified in the Ash Dieback survey. Tree work for Shropshire Council and trees identified by the Town Council as requiring work were being actioned but at times the ground conditions had made this more difficult to complete. Forty large standard trees were planted to replace the fallen ash trees. The replacements are best suited to replace the eco system functions of ash trees.
Working with volunteers, our Countryside Team created cattle guards on Doctor’s Field to protect newly planted native trees. These trees were replacements for those lost to ash dieback, and the guards were essential to shield them from grazing animals. The volunteers, including the Mayor of Shrewsbury, worked diligently to install wooden stakes, secure wire fencing, and finish the enclosures with high-tension wire. This hands-on effort not only safeguarded the young trees but also exemplified the community's commitment to environmental stewardship.