Shropshire Wildlife trust plans restoration at nature reserve

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The application requests consent for the widening of existing vehicular access, enlargement of a parking and turning area, and the formation of a forestry track.

A planning statement from agents Berrys, on behalf of the applicants explained the proposal.

It states: "The proposal is formed of two parts. Firstly, the application is to widen the existing site access and the parking area for the Hope Valley Nature Reserve.

"Secondly, it is for the creation of a new woodland track to link the existing track system at the top of the wood with the wider management access.

"The proposed works are required due to the following reasons: To facilitate safer ingress and egress to the site for self- loading six-wheel timber lorries to create a turning point for lorries and forest machinery provide a safe area for the storage of timber during the felling and extraction operation.

"The proposed works are required for the ancient woodland restoration project which is being run by Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

"This project aims to take an ancient woodland site (planted with unfavourable non- native species) back to native broadleaf woodland.

"This will enhance and help to conserve the ancient woodland as well as helping to improve ecological habitats within the woodland.

"It is important to note that the proposals are not introducing any new use or intensification at the site but are seeking to improve the safety and logistics associated with the existing woodland management requirements."

Hope Valley Nature Reserve is a 19 hectare site that is open to the public.

The site can be found three miles south of Minsterley.

A decision on the application will be taken at a later date.