A major environmental project to purchase a former Shropshire quarry from its Swedish owners and restore it to its natural beauty has gathered pace.

A public meeting in Much Wenlock to discuss the future of quarry sites on Wenlock Edge was hailed as a success by organisers after townspeople packed the meeting in Priory Hall to learn more about National Trust plans to buy the mothballed sites.

The plans are to buy the sites from owners Bardon Aggregates and return them to public use.

The meeting was addressed by Peter Carty, countryside property manager for the National Trust, and Paul Evans, who is a conservationist, writer and broadcaster.

Mr Carty said: “The quarry site owners have met with National Trust staff and both groups are moving towards a plan for the sites to be transferred from active, although mothballed, quarrying to public space.

“We are currently working through a consultation process to establish how local people would like to see the space utilised – and ideas so far have ranged from a visitor centre to an Eden Project-type of environmental development.

“It was great to see so many people in attendance for our first public meeting, there was tremendous enthusiasm and lots of thoughts and ideas discussed.

“We want to speak to as many interested parties as possible and anyone is welcome to e-mail me at peter .carty@nationaltrust.org .uk if they would like to send me their comments,” added Mr Carty.

He said the National Trust was also interested in meeting any groups or associations who wanted to get involved with the project.

“I would also be delighted to make presentations to any group or organisation keen to contribute their ideas, again please e-mail me,” said Mr Carty

A series of guided walks along the quarry sites is planned for October and there will be a ‘Youth Adventure’ barbecue on Saturday, October 17.

Mr Carty said: “We are very keen for youngsters to be actively involved in this project.”