A unique collection of nature reserves in Shropshire is in need of nurturing

Volunteers are required to help preserve The Madeley Pit Mounds, a group of five sites that
make up around 44 hectares of distinctive wooded areas.

Councillor Sarah Chadwick, Mayor of Madeley Town Council, explained that the pit mounds
were linked both historically and archaeologically and were an important feature of the local
landscape.

“The pit mounds were created from the spoil of mining and were abandoned in the early
1900s.

“Since that time nature has been gradually reclaiming the sites and today they are a rich mix
of woodland, scrub, grassland, marsh and streams which in turn supports a wide variety of
wildlife such as woodpeckers, slow-worms, butterflies, bats, wildflowers, dragonflies and
species which like silver birch and heather.”

The town council works with the Small Woods Association, funding a weekly programme of
volunteering sessions aimed at managing the nature reserves and helping to improve
people’s wellbeing by providing meaningful and healthy outdoor opportunities.

Tristan Haynes, social enterprise officer with the Small Woods Association said that current
work included replacing handrails on steps in woodland off Legges Lane in Madeley.
“We undertake a wide variety of tasks, such as clearing invasive plants and trees, at our
weekly sessions but could do with more people to help to maintain the nature reserves in
good condition so it would be good to get others involved on a regular basis.”

Tristan added that he was currently setting up a ‘Wrekin Forest Community Interest
Company’ in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Borough Council and anyone volunteering in
future would be known as a ‘Wrekin Forest Ranger’.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Tristan on tristanhayes@smallwoods.org.uk
See https://www.facebook.com/telfordwoodforgood for more information.