Shropshire Countryside – Time Seems to Stand Still
Shropshire remains one of England’s least densely populated counties, yet time seems to stand still there. From Ludlow Castle and Church Stretton’s majestic fortifications to wooded hilltop ‘batches’ that dominate its landscapes – there are plenty of ways to enjoy Shropshire’s tranquility and enjoy life here.
Rural living poses its own set of unique challenges; such as higher speeds and winding roads; cattle; horses; as well as adverse weather are just a few factors to keep in mind when making this choice.
The River Severn
With its unsuitable terrain for intensive farming, the Shropshire countryside has been home to numerous woodland and meadow habitats – combined with rivers – creating an abundant and varied wildlife environment. You’ll find everything from vibrant flower meadows of Coton in Bloom Festival to mysterious pine martens near Much Wenlock; birds, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles alike can all be seen here!
The River Severn boasts 21 tributaries that range in size from small trickles to larger rivers like the Avon. Starting its journey at Lake Vyrnwy in Powys and ending in Shrewsbury, its path traverses counties such as Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire before joining into one mighty waterway.
Rivers are natural systems, though humans have altered them for drainage and food production purposes. Unfortunately, altering a river’s natural course can result in flooding or erosion issues.
At its junction with Bristol Channel, River Severn transforms into a tidal estuary, featuring significant deposition of sediment along its banks as well as substantial sandbanks on both sides.
Once used for shipping, today the estuary mainly provides leisure boating and fishing activities, making it a wonderful spot to walk, birdwatch or ride a cruise ship.
As its banks flow along the River Severn, there is much to explore and enjoy along its banks, from exploring Shrewsbury’s ten museums to Telford Town and Ironbridge Gorge – both UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their roles in the Industrial Revolution – Telford also features world-renowned Cosford Aerospace Museum as well as Weston Park Stately Home as additional points of interest.
The River Severn forms a key feature along the Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth road, making stops such as Cressage and Church Stretton worth exploring by boat or riverbank path. Take time out for yourself by riding the Severn Valley Railway that runs from Shrewsbury to Bewdley as an enjoyable day out with family or friends!
The Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills are an eye-catching landscape of idyllic beauty and serenity, where myths meet history and legend. Shaped by shifting tectonic plates, its geology tells a fascinating tale of times past; hilltops are scattered with ancient hillforts, castles and mottes while Offa’s Dyke stretches across its entirety.
Hills and dales of England and Wales provide home to an abundance of wildlife. Grasslands support grayling butterflies and small pearl-bordered fritillaries while the moorlands boast rare and stunning wildflowers such as bee orchid, see-saw flowers, and scabious. Rivers and ponds of this area contain freshwater mussels while rivers/ponds provide homes for crayfish while upland mammals such as dormice are protected species throughout Europe.
The Shropshire Hills are one of England’s most geologically diverse regions, boasting an extensive variety of rock types that cover its surface. Additionally, this rich area boasts 180 ancient Scheduled Monuments such as barrows and stone circles dating back as far as 3,300-1,200 BCE (most barrows were first discovered between 3,300- 1,200 BCE). Furthermore, human history remains prominent here from Saxon burial mounds to medieval iron forges and blast furnaces – each testament to how people have thrived here throughout its long history.
There are numerous ways for you to help protect the landscape and contribute towards its preservation. Planting hedgerows and trees is an easy and rewarding way to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere while supporting birds and insects. You can also help by buying local produce or visiting restaurants that use locally-sourced ingredients in their meals; simply by making these simple changes you can help contribute towards a brighter future for Shropshire Hills and all its people – for more information visit the Shropshire Hills website.
The Coalbrookdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Shropshire, situated between Wales and England, boasts a long and distinguished history that can be discovered at Ironbridge Gorge and Museum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll discover much of this amazing heritage! Its name derives from Saxon ‘Saedorp’ meaning ‘border country’. Having played an integral role in the Industrial Revolution, this county contributed immensely towards it; Salop derives its name from it.
Shropshire’s northern region is marked by a broad, fertile plain that hosts many of the county’s major towns such as Shrewsbury at its center; Oswestry and Whitchurch to its north; Market Drayton to its northeast; Newport as well as Telford conurbation (Telford, Wellington Oakengates Donnington) located further eastwards.
Shropshire Hills rise to an altitude of over 600m and provide an eye-catching backdrop to the flat plain below. Two notable peaks include Long Mynd and Stiperstones; come late summer their hilltops become covered in purple as heather blooms; this attracts various insects and birds such as green hairstreak butterflies and stonechat.
On the slopes of these ridges you will find woodland and farmland; while in the uplands there is upland heathland and wet woodland which provide habitats for curlew, red grouse and merlin species. Furthermore, this region contains numerous geological sites of special scientific interest as well as 63 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Shropshire’s rural villages are some of the most charming in England, boasting charming half timbered cottages known as Black and White villages reminiscent of fairy tales. Hodnet is one such village; it looks as though something out of a storybook! At its center is Hodnet Hall Gardens – an early 19th-century Victorian mansion converted into a beautiful garden oasis filled with fragrant flower beds, ponds, and even a waterfall!
The Wrekin, part of Shropshire Hills National Landscape and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is an iconic peak that calls out to walkers, fell runners, horse riders, mini explorers and forest bathers alike.
The Shrewsbury Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Shropshire lies along England’s Welsh border and boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from rolling hills of the Shropshire Hills AONB to wooded valleys in Coalbrookdale and beautiful limestone landscapes at Hawkstone Park – it truly showcases how nature and people coexist harmoniously here.
Shropshire countryside embodies this in its lush flora and fauna; with varied habitats hosting an abundance of birds and wildlife including national rarities like Merlin, Snipe and Curlew. Furthermore, rich history such as hillforts and castles as well as remnants from old industries like lead mining and quarrying gives this place its distinct character.
Shropshire provides many activities suitable for families and groups alike. From trekking the rugged peaks of Wenlock Edge, to gentle strolls through Long Mynd and wildlife watching along Ludlow’s ponds and rivers – there’s an activity here sure to suit everyone, no matter their age or fitness levels.
Shropshire is known to be an inviting county with strong communities and a genuine spirit of community spirit. Many towns and villages host active community groups that organize events and raise money for local causes – providing newcomers an ideal way to meet neighbors while fighting isolation in rural areas.
Shropshire countryside is facing serious threats from inappropriate housing developments that are dispersing local populations and altering the character of landscape. This is particularly evident within AONBs and Green Belts; therefore it is imperative that we support organisations like CPRE who advocate for more responsible planning policies across Shropshire.
Shropshire’s picturesque scenery and vibrant towns and villages draw visitors year round, but this county also offers plenty of activities year-round – whether that means browsing boutique shops, taking in a show at Shrewsbury Opera House or exploring one of many museums or galleries, Shropshire has something special for everyone to experience!
