Wetland Nature Sanctuary & Walking Trail

The Wetland Sanctuary at the Ironworks

In light of the global environmental crisis, British Ironworks Centre has just opened a brand-new area: the wetland wildlife sanctuary and walking trail. We are hoping to be the fourth and newest addition to Shropshire’s collection of National nature reserves!

The area that is being utilised for this new wetland has lain untouched for decades; it has never been used for crops, built upon, or even walked upon, providing a real paradise for nature. Our goal is to make the presence of wildlife in the area more prolific, and to ensure its survival.

Why Wetlands are Important Signage in the Sanctuary

Bordering our renowned Extinction Trail, this wetland Sanctuary aims to encourage more wildlife to inhabit the area. As we head into colder winter months, it is imperative that our wildlife has a space and to take cover and thrive. We are blessed to have this space and it’s already home to so many creatures such as toads, frogs, ducks, herons, lapwings, hawks, badgers, foxes, rabbits and hares, and many other species too!

Each species of shrub, fauna, wildflower, and tree will be labelled; there will be lots to learn for everyone who visits!

This walking trail is perfect for adults, children, and for school trips. We will provide free trail maps for children (and for schools, free coffee for teachers and free juice and biscuits for children), and everything else is on the signs, so there’s no big headaches or preparation for the teachers or parents (easiest trip ever!).

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Exploring the Wetland Sanctuary

The wetland sanctuary walking trail can be explored by any mode; walking, cycling, scooting, golf buggy-ing – the gravel path is suitable for all abilities.

Chairman of the British Ironworks Centre, Clive Knowles, remarked: “We all need to separate space for nature. More areas left wild and untouched is the priority going forward.

We’d like all garden and land owners to think twice over taming nature completely to manicured lawns, and to leave spaces alone for wild nature to take hold. There needs to be fewer manicured lawns, and more spaces left alone to grow naturally.” This is of particular importance to home owners, everyone has the ability to play their part.

Imagine a national unkept garden scheme, less mowing and more bees buzzing.

Collectively, we can all have an enormous impact on insects and nature overall, we always look to farmers to separate space, but the British gardens cover more space now than farmland, so homeowners can lead by example.

Let’s reject astro turf and synthetic surfaces, like resin and tar, and keep this world safe for our future generations.

Frog vs. Toad Signage in the Wetland Sanctuary