High Leasowes
In 2022 Sandra and Peter Whitlock of Church Stretton led an appeal together with MMCLT to raise £400,000 to purchase a 6.5 hectare site on the eastern edge of Church Stretton. We were delighted to raise the money and that our bid for the fields was accepted. The purchase has just completed.
“The response from the local community was phenomenal, with a huge sum of money being raised from 240 donors in the space of just eight days. It shows how much people value this site and want to see it protected and managed for nature.”
Sandra Whitlock
High Leasowes
Our vision is to create an area rich in wildlife and a place that people can enjoy.
This organic grassland site occupies a special position in the landscape of Church Stretton as it lies beneath the slopes of Caer Caradoc with Helmeth Wood to the east. It also has wonderful views of the Long Mynd to the west and borders Coppice Leasowes, a nature reserve of semi-ancient woodland, predominantly oak, with indicator species such as wood anemone, wood sorrel and primrose. This makes it an important wildlife ‘stepping stone’ site.
We aim to create a patchwork of rich habitats that provides shelter, nesting and feeding opportunities for a great variety of wildlife, where there is space for people to walk and enjoy the area and for the community to participate in its care.
High Leasowes Management Committee (HLMC) has just commissioned a Baseline Environmental Evaluation which will inform a management plan to be agreed between the Middle Marches Community Land Trust (MMCLT) and HLMC to ensure that we manage the fields to maintain and enhance biodiversity.
The Strettons area is a haven for many rarer species of birds, mammals, invertebrates and flora which find niches in our wonderfully varied terrain. The Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group welcomes this new and exciting opportunity to improve the habitat and biodiversity of land adjacent to Coppice Leasowes Nature Reserve.Dr Isabel Carter, Chair of Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group
The beauty of the countryside surrounding the town is what helps make Church Stretton what it is, and we are fortunate to have so much land dedicated to promoting this landscape and its wildlife. I am pleased to support anything which helps to improve and enhance the beauty of this town.
Andy Munro, Mayor, Church Stretton
This is a great opportunity for creating an important stepping stone for wildlife and a valuable asset for local people and visitors who love exploring the Stretton Hills.
Charlie Bell, National Trust Stepping Stones Project.
…it would be a delightful local wildlife site and a potential extension for Coppice Leasowes Local Nature Reserve which is adjacent. The location on the edge of Church Stretton would mean it was visited and appreciated by local people.
Peter Carty, (now retired) Countryside Manager, National Trust for South Shropshire and Kinver Edge
Would you like to find out more?
To be kept informed of our progress or to join us please email: highleasowes@gmail.com
You may also like to join the Middle Marches Community Land Trust mailing list – see button below.
Bottom photos (c) William Dunne