Nature and Climate are inextricably linked
Nestled at the foot of the Long Mynd, the string of the Strettons settlements (All Stretton, Church Stretton and Little Stretton) are surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire which sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Stretton Hills National Landscape.
With such a privileged position, the residents of the Strettons and surrounding villages and hamlets are very mindful of Nature in all its guises. We are blessed with many skilled people who look after our landscape, from the agricultural industry to other professionals and volunteers working in a myriad of organisations.
Stretton Climate Care aims to work with those organisations – most SCC Members are also members of many of the organisations mentioned below. It is our experience however, that individuals who come to Stretton Climate Care events wish to be able to talk about how we can all help to mitigate the impact of climate on Nature and Food production and supply. We generally defer to our colleagues in one or more of the organisations described below.
We are fortunate that much of work of collating the organisations active in Nature in the Strettons has already been done and we would refer you to the organisation of that name. Two organisations deserve specific attention:
Shropshire Hills National Landscape
All designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across England and Wales have become National Landscapes). Church Stretton is the only market town in England to sit within an AONB. Their website informs us:
The new name reflects the national importance of these areas: the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis. The new name will also create greater understanding and awareness for the work of the whole National Landscapes family … the National Landscapes’ vision [is] to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.
The organisation has developed a new five-year Plan for the Shropshire Hills landscape, with PUBLIC CONSULTATION until the end of July 2025
This new Plan aims to guide sustainable future directions for the Shropshire Hills. It is based on the legal purpose for which the area is designated – to conserve and enhance natural beauty, and on addressing the challenges we all face.
Click the button below to download the draft of ‘Thriving in Balance with Nature’ the new Plan 2025-30 for the Shropshire Hills:
Thriving in Balance with Nature
2-minute audio about the new Plan
To comment on the Plan, go to the Online Form
Stepping Stones Project
The Stepping Stones Project has been developed with a range of partners including Natural England, the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Middle Marches Community Land Trust.. The 50-year vision is for natural habitats in the Shropshire Hills to be restored, healthy and connected, and for the people who live, work and play in this remarkable area to understand and support their efforts.
