Plans for 'super' nature reserve on English-Welsh border

Residents are being asked to share their views on plans for a 'super' nature reserve on the England-Wales border.

Proposals are being floated to extend the existing Stiperstones National Nature Reserve in Shropshire by up to 5,000 ha. The reserve is made up of a wild landscape of uplands, lowlands and woodland that supports several rare species of wildlife.

Natural England wants to incorporate surrounding land and make the area bigger and the body has asked people living nearby to share their thoughts on the idea.

Eurasian Skylark breeds at Stiperstones NNR (Peter Garrity).

Public consultation

Emma Johnson, deputy director for Natural England in the West Midlands, said there was a great opportunity to create a better and bigger place for people and wildlife.

She said: "A super national nature reserve joining up land with partners would be so beneficial," she said.

The Stiperstones would form part of the King's Series of national nature reserves, which was launched last year to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.