Celebrated as a Tree City of the World Telford is a borough where nature is prioritised and encouraged to thrive. Our innovative and inspiring Ecology and Green Infrastructure team are passionately committed to safeguarding and enriching the urban and rural natural landscapes that comprise the borough. The Team oversees the designation and management of Local Nature Reserves and Green Guarantee spaces in Telford and Newport, which provide free and accessible opportunities for the public to engage with nature. Of Telford's 22 existing Local Nature Reserves, 13 have been declared since 2020, and a further five are due for declaration by the end of 2027. In combination with over 300 protected Green Guarantee sites, the borough of Telford & Wrekin has over 1000ha of accessible green space, the equivalent of over 1400 Premier League football pitches.

 

The Ecology & Green Infrastructure team also play a key role in the Development Management process, providing expert consultation on planning applications alongside Planners, Highways, Drainage and other consultee teams. The team ensure’ s that Biodiversity Net Gain assessments are accurate and appropriate, helping to create developments which are rich in green space and opportunities for nature within the town. Species specialists within the team advise on the best way to incorporate habitat features and enhancements within development sites to give bats and birds, amphibians and reptiles, and a wide range of other native fauna the chance to live alongside people and industry, rather than be supplanted by them.

The team also works on a wider landscape scale, engaging with colleagues from other Local Authorities to guide the strategic vision for nature and the environment in Shropshire by being an active member of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy steering group, and supporting species and habitat conservation efforts by hosting and managing the Shropshire & Telford Environmental Records Centre. Both roles provide the team with the chance to spread Telford's nature focused approach and provide an opportunity to learn about best practice from professionals in neighbouring Authorities, and further afield.

Working with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders and developers at every stage of development and strategic planning, we strive to ensure that the natural environment continues to inspire, sustain, and flourish for generations to come.