Shropshire Hills National Landscape

The well-known hills each have their own character - the rocky Stiperstones, the moorland plateau of the Long Mynd, the craggy volcanic Stretton Hills and Wrekin, the harsh quarried landscape of the Clee Hills, the wooded scarp of Wenlock Edge, and the rolling enclosed hills of the Clun Forest. Much of the Shropshire Hills is grazing land and the patchwork of fields and hedges results from generations of farming. Remnants of meadow and grassland habitats survive, along with ancient woodlands. Rivers and streams such as the Onny and Clun are lined with alder, and home to freshwater crayfish and otter.

Wildlife reflects the location between north and south of the UK and the span from lowland to upland. Home to national rarities such as Merlin, Snipe, Curlew, Whinchat, Dipper, Emperor moth, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Grayling butterfly, the Shropshire Hills are also a stronghold for Skylark, Tree Pipit, Black Poplar and Great Crested Newt. A rich heritage of hillforts, castles and mottes along with Offa’s Dyke tell of centuries of strife along the Welsh border. Stone, brick and timbered buildings reflect the diversity of local materials and building styles, while the remains of lead mining, stone quarrying and charcoal burning remind us of once thriving local industries.

The Shropshire Hills was one of the first areas to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958, covering almost a quarter of Shropshire (802 square kilometres). Whether you’re a visitor to the area or the Shropshire Hills are on your doorstep, there are plenty of ways to explore, enjoy and help to look after this special landscape.