Delight as two new nature reserves in Telford are given the green light
Councillors have moved to welcome the declaration of two new nature reserves.
At a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet on Thursday, councillors approved the reserves at Rough Park and Randlay Valley.
Representatives of the authority’s cabinet and opposition councillors wholeheartedly welcomed the proposals.
Councillor John Minor, cabinet member for leisure, green spaces and parks, said: “Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the two sites.
“This is a decision that represents a commitment to keeping Telford green.
“I was really pleased to meet the Randlay Valley community working group, who have been doing lots of litter picks and copse clears in their own time to clear up the site.”
Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors Bill Tomlinson and Andrew Eade also welcomed the news.
Mr Tomlinson said: “Part of the reason I moved to Telford was the great green spaces.
“I like the localised nature of these reserves where they are right on people’s doorsteps.”
Mr Eade said: “I welcome this news. It is a shame that we have seen so much of our green spaces gobbled up by big housing developments recently but I think this is a step in the right direction.”
Katherine Kynaston, assistant director of business, development and employment at the council also attended the meeting where the plans were approved, saying: “This is part of an ongoing plan of green space commitments.”
Butterflies
Rough Park is north of Woodside and features grassland and woodland habitats of value to wildlife such as butterflies, woodland birds and bats.
It is designated as part of Telford and Wrekin’s green network and sits within a wider landscape of locally designated sites including two adjacent local wildlife sites.
Randlay Valley is surrounded by residential areas including Hollinswood, Randlay, Brookside and Stirchley.
The site features woodland, grassland, and areas of water and connects the Town Park local nature reserve with Nedge Hill.
Rough Park and Randlay Valley will add to the 11 already approved in the borough.
