Shropshire Council is marking success on the second phase of the Shropshire Slow the Flow Natural Flood Management project, which delivers locally tailored nature-based interventions to help reduce flood risk.

The latest work at Battlefield, Shrewsbury, has been delivered by Shropshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with the landowner and farmer Robert Jagger, and forms part of the wider Slow the Flow 2 programme. It builds on the achievements of an earlier phase that delivered around 1,000 natural flood management measures.

The current phase focuses on restoring and enhancing natural features across the landscape to slow the movement of water and increase storage within the catchment and will help alleviate flooding of the Battlefield link road.

Sarah Mackness, from Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said:-

“At Battlefield, the project team has created an in‑ditch wetland by daylighting a previously covered ditch, restored existing ponds, installed leaky wooden barriers, created scrapes, and introduced cover crops.

“These techniques are designed to increase soil infiltration, make use of low‑lying land for temporary water storage, and reduce the speed at which water flows into the river system downstream.”

Robert added:-

“Our family has been farming here since the 1800s and this project has brought some of our land back into use. It has been an interesting project to be a part of and we can see the benefits.”

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-

“Natural flood management is becoming increasingly relevant to how we plan and maintain our highways and wider infrastructure. As pressures on the network grow, measures like these will play a bigger role in managing water sustainably and reducing downstream impacts.

“We expect to continue this kind of work across the county as part of long‑term, integrated flood resilience.”

The approach taken across Slow the Flow supports long‑term resilience by working with natural processes. By improving the capacity of the landscape to manage water, the project aims to reduce the effects of flooding on communities while enhancing local habitats.

Shropshire Council will continue to work closely with partners and landowners to integrate further measures at suitable locations and to share information about how these interventions function as part of the wider catchment strategy.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has approved plans for a major expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging across the county, supported by more than £2 million in Government funding and significant private‑sector investment.

Electric vehicle on-street chargepoint

The programme – part of the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund – is aiming to more than double the number of public EV charge points currently available in Shropshire.

Under the new plans, some 500 or more additional public EV charge points will potentially be installed in towns, villages and rural communities, with a particular focus on helping residents who cannot charge at home because they do not have access to a driveway.

Cabinet agreed the plans at its meeting today, Wednesday 11 March.

The LEVI-funded programme will deliver:

• A major roll-out of on‑street, car park and community‑based EV chargers.
• A concession contract with an appointed Charge Point Operator, meaning the Council will not need to invest its own capital or cover operational costs.
• Significant private‑sector investment, alongside the Government grant.
• A new, reliable and fully maintained network designed to benefit residents, businesses and visitors.

The concession model ensures the Charge Point Operator will install, operate and maintain the charge points for the full contract term, while the council will receive an annual concession fee and a share of charging revenue as usage increases over time.

In addition to the LEVI programme, Shropshire Council has secured £133,780 from the EV Pavement Channels Grant. This will enable the installation of approved pavement channels – specially designed grooves that allow charging cables to run safely from a resident’s home to their vehicle parked on the street outside their home.

This initiative will help households that would otherwise be unable to charge at home, particularly in areas with rows of terraced housing or limited private parking.

Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and economic growth, said:

“This is a major opportunity to give residents fairer access to electric vehicle charging, reduce carbon emissions and prepare our county for the future. By drawing on Government funding and private investment, we can deliver a large-scale network at no cost to the council’s capital budget.

“If we didn’t take up this opportunity, Shropshire could fall behind other areas. Instead, we are ensuring that our communities, including rural and hard-to-reach areas, are fully supported in the transition to cleaner transport.

“Transport accounts for a significant share of carbon emissions. By improving public access to EV charging and supporting more residents to switch to cleaner vehicles, the programme will play a key role in meeting Shropshire Council’s climate and sustainability commitments.

“Importantly, many rural and lower‑income areas in Shropshire lack sufficient charging options. This programme aims to ensure that all parts of the county can benefit from the shift to low‑carbon transport.”

The indicative timeline for the programme is expected to be:

• 2026: Procurement preparation and tender launch.
• Early–mid 2027: Charge Point Operator appointed.
• Late 2027 onwards: First installations begin.
• 2027–2030/31: Main roll-out of the charging network.
• 2027–2042: Ongoing operation under a 15‑year concession contract.

Shropshire Council will continue working closely with the Department for Transport to progress procurement and confirm local sites. Residents will have opportunities to engage and comment on proposed locations as part of the implementation phase.

Shropshire Council is pleased to announce a new partnership between Raft Energy and Biodynamic Carbon (BDC) — a joint venture between Shropshire Council and Carbon Hill Ltd.

The agreement sets out a long-term plan to produce high quality biochar and verified carbon removal credits, helping Shropshire lead the way in sustainable, locally driven climate action.

Biochar is a form of carbon rich material made from plant matter. When activated and added to Anaerobic Digestion (AD) systems – technology already used across the UK to turn waste into energy – it helps increase energy output and improves the quality of the resulting fertiliser. Crucially, it also locks carbon safely away for the long term, making it a powerful and affordable climate solution.

Raft Energy, an award-winning biotech company backed by major UK investors, has developed ActiCH4R, a specialist activated biochar that boosts the performance of biogas plants. When used alongside their ActiSense monitoring technology, AD operators can generate more renewable energy while cutting emissions.

The new framework agreement will allow both organisations to come to agreement on sales and production of the ActiCH4R product at each biochar production site. The first ‘Energy, Biochar and Carbon Capture’ system to be partially owned by a council is already operational near Welshpool. This unit is also 50% owned by Carbon Hill – a sister company of Woodtek Engineering Ltd. who manufacture the technology. Another fully council owned unit is set to be commissioned this spring in Ludlow. Both units will be generating certified carbon removal credits in line with recognised international standards, including the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) which ensures very high-grade biochar is produced.

This partnership means Shropshire can continue to advance its climate priorities reducing its reliance on Government funding, strengthening the county’s leadership in practical, commercially viable decarbonisation.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth, said:

“This partnership shows how Shropshire can lead the way nationally on practical, affordable climate solutions. By working with innovative companies like Raft Energy and local manufacturers like Woodtek Engineering Ltd, we’re delivering real carbon reduction, supporting greener energy production, and doing so without relying on Government support. It’s exactly the kind of sustainable, forward thinking approach our residents expect, and I’m delighted to see Shropshire at the forefront of it.”

The council looks forward to supporting this partnership as new projects come forward over the coming months.

Healthy Lives Stop Smoking Service Shropshire offers free support to quit

Every year, National No Smoking Day encourages smokers across the UK to take the decisive step towards quitting for good. Today (Wednesday 11 March 2026), Shropshire residents are invited to seize the opportunity to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life by saying goodbye to cigarettes.

Make 2026 the year you quit smoking and start feeling the benefits

Support is here

Quitting smoking is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. To mark No Smoking Day, the Healthy Lives Stop Smoking Service Shropshire is offering free, expert support to anyone ready to make a change.

Here’s what’s available to you:

• Four weeks of fully funded Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
• Twelve weeks of behavioural support tailored to your needs
• Sessions available across a range of venues in Shropshire
• The option of flexible telephone support, perfect for busy schedules

Why Quit Now?

• Improve your health and lower your risk of serious illness
• Save money for yourself and your family
• Set a positive example for loved ones
• Enjoy a fresher home and environment

Do you want to quit smoking? We can help 

Councillor Bernie Bentick, Cabinet member for health and public protection, said:

Quitting smoking is easier with support and our local stop smoking service is on hand to help you kick the habit, improve your health and reduce your risk of illness, feel better and save money in your pocket.

Why not make this year’s No Smoking Day your day to book your first telephone or in-person appointment with one of our friendly stop smoking advisors? There’s support every step of the way including regular appointments and 4-weeks free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help manage any cravings.

It’s never too late to feel better and enjoy a fresh smoke-free life for you and your loved ones. Booking an appointment is easy so why wait to take advantage of Shropshire’s free local stop smoking support service.

How to Access Support

For more information and to book an appointment visit Support to stop smoking | Shropshire Council or for assistance in booking call 0345 6789 028 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Friendly advisors are ready to guide you every step of the way, with sessions tailored to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Make this No Smoking Day the turning point. Join thousands across Shropshire and the UK who are choosing a healthier, smoke-free future. For more information, visit the Healthy Lives Stop Smoking Service website or call your local team today.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is inviting people of all ages to pick up their cameras and celebrate the natural world, with the launch of their new Wildlife Photography Competition.

Geese at Ellesmere

The museum’s competition encourages budding photographers—from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts—to capture the beauty of nature in their immediate surroundings, whether that’s in a garden, local park or the wider Shropshire countryside.

Fay Bailey, head of museum services at Shropshire Council, said:

“The theme of the competition is “Wildlife on Your Doorstep” and we are hoping to see photographs of wild animals and plants from across Shropshire that highlight the county’s biodiversity. It would be wonderful if the images also tell a story and showcase the creativity of the photographers.”

The competition has three age categories: 11 and under, ages 12–18, and adults (18+), making it accessible for families, schools and individuals alike.

Jeremy Blandford, deputy portfolio holder for homes and leisure at Shropshire Council, said:

“The wildlife photography competition is a great way for people across Shropshire to connect with the natural world. By encouraging people to look more closely at the wildlife around them, we’re hoping to inspire creativity, curiosity and a deeper appreciation of nature right on our doorstep.”

Entries must be submitted by Friday 27 March. Winners will be announced on Friday 10 April, and an exhibition of the entrants’ photographs will be displayed in the museum during the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

The competition has been inspired by the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition that will be on display at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery from 25 April to 20 June. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-first year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

Winners of SMAG’s competition will receive free exhibition tickets to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition for themselves and their family.

For full competition details and exhibition information, visit Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery’s website:

SM&AG Wildlife Photography Competition – Call for Entries! – Shropshire Museums

For details and interview opportunities contact paul.gossage@shropshire.gov.uk

Shropshire Council has approved a new Town and Parish Council Asset Transfer Policy, setting out a clear and transparent framework to support the transfer of council‑owned land and buildings to town and parish councils across the county.

The policy is designed to strengthen local decision‑making, protect valued community assets, and enable town and parish councils to take a more active role in managing buildings and spaces that matter most to their communities.

Under the new approach, asset transfers will be considered where there is a clear and ongoing community benefit, where local councils can demonstrate the capacity to manage the asset sustainably, and where proposals align with Shropshire Council’s wider strategic priorities.

Leasehold transfers of up to 99 years will help to safeguard public assets for future generations while still enabling local councils to invest, improve facilities, and deliver services locally.

By enabling town and parish councils to take ownership or long‑term control of local assets, the policy supports:

• Greater local accountability and democratic control
• Improved protection of valued community buildings and spaces
• Increased opportunities for community‑led services and investment
• Long‑term sustainability of assets that might otherwise be at risk

Alex Wagner, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council. said:

“Town and parish councils are at the heart of their communities, and they are often best placed to understand how local buildings and spaces can be used to meet local needs. This new policy provides a clear, fair and supportive framework that helps communities take greater ownership of their future, while ensuring that public assets are managed responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of residents across Shropshire.”

Guidance, templates and an Expression of Interest process will be available online, with dedicated officer support available to town and parish Councils considering an asset transfer.

The new policy was approved at the Cabinet meeting on 11 February [2026].

Shropshire Council’s Community Wellbeing Outreach Team and its partners have been actively supporting Shropshire’s most rural and isolated communities throughout the winter.

By deploying their mobile hub van to various remote villages and hamlets, they have provided residents with onsite access to practical advice, health promotion, and wellbeing services as part of the Winter Outreach Wellbeing project.

Now from 1 April 2026, the team will extend its provision from winter only sessions to become an all year offer.

The Winter Outreach Project vehicle

The project has enabled residents to receive support and guidance for cost-of-living and energy concerns, food security, cardiovascular (CVD) health checks, information on vaccinations and screening, lifestyle and smoking cessation advice, mental health support, and much more.

A key part of the project is listening to local people, gathering insights into the challenges they face, and feeding this information back into place-based planning so that services can better meet community needs now and in the future.

Starting April 1, 2026, the outreach team will continue year-round support for Shropshire’s most rural and isolated communities. They will listen to residents, understand their health and wellbeing needs, monitor key local health data, and adjust their support accordingly.

In addition, the team will continue to offer cardiovascular (CVD) health checks to people living in areas with higher levels of deprivation, such as workplaces, food banks, job centres, livestock markets, and more. To find out where the team will be present, please use the link to the monthly outreach programme.

Monthly outreach programme | Shropshire Council

For further information about the Community Wellbeing Outreach Team, please visit

Community Wellbeing Outreach team | Shropshire Council or email community.outreach@shropshire.gov.uk.

Bernie Bentick, portfolio holder for health and public protection, said:

“I welcome the great news that from 1 April 2026, Shropshire’s Community Wellbeing Outreach Team will extend its provision from winter only sessions to become an all year offer to those people and communities in rural and isolated parts of Shropshire.

“Our friendly, experienced professionals can give you useful verbal and written information across a wide spectrum of health and other topics that particularly affect rural communities and also signpost you to further resources and support.

“So if you live in a rural/isolated location then do follow the link to find when and where they will be in your area so that you can drop by to see what they provide and have a confidential chat about any areas of interest or concern.”

Shropshire Council has received the interim Stage 3 Road Safety Audit for the Shrewsbury station gyratory scheme, which takes account of construction changes and operational risks, and officers are currently reviewing the details. A formal Designers’ Response will be required, including comments from the council, regarding any observations or recommendations made within the report. The report will then be shared with the the council’s Task and Finish Group set up to consider this project, and with the economy and environment scrutiny committee –  with an update being issued to Cabinet at a future meeting.

In addition, a comprehensive scope has been prepared for a further independent safety review, reflecting the recommendations made by both the scrutiny committee and Cabinet. A key focus of this review will be to understand how the scheme affects all users. It will set out how the design aligns with relevant legislation, identify any remedial actions that may be required, and take account of both the interim Stage 3 Audit and the new Department for Transport guidance on floating bus stops.

Any potential modifications arising from these processes would be subject to consultation, the necessary approvals, and the availability of funding and resources.

Constructive dialogue with the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has helped identify a potential solution, put forward by the Fire Service , for navigating the bus stop island on Castle Foregate. The audit has considered the bus stop facility, and the safety review will also study this where appropriate. Discussions are ongoing with the design team to facilitate further engagement with the Fire Service.

Shropshire Council has already taken steps to strengthen engagement and consultation processes for future schemes, from initial development through to delivery.

The station gyratory scheme was funded by the UK Government.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will next week consider plans to develop a new Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)—a major Government-led requirement designed to support long-term growth, housing delivery and infrastructure planning across wider regions.

A report will be presented to the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 11 March [2026].

The SDS will sit alongside Shropshire’s Local Plan and provide a high level framework for at least the next 20 years, helping to guide where new homes, jobs and essential infrastructure should be located.

The Government has launched a consultation on which local authority areas should work together to produce each SDS. Shropshire Council is now preparing its response ahead of the 26 March 2026 deadline and will begin discussions with a number of  councils to ensure Shropshire benefits economically, and that its ambitions for housing and employment growth are supported.

David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning. said:

“This is an important opportunity to shape the long-term future of Shropshire and our wider region. Working strategically with neighbouring areas will help unlock investment, support sustainable growth and ensure we meet national expectations for housing and infrastructure.”

If Cabinet agrees the report the council will explore different partnership options, assess how well they meet Government criteria, and re-establish strategic engagement with infrastructure providers.

Final SDS geographies are expected to be confirmed once Government legislation is introduced later in 2026.

Shropshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board is seeking people’s views on its draft Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029 and would like to hear from anyone living or working in Shropshire  with an interest in tackling Domestic Abuse before the deadline of Monday 9 March 2026.

Have your say

The draft strategy aims to drive a positive cultural change across all services in Shropshire, recognising the importance of a coordinated, proactive, and timely response to protect individuals affected by domestic abuse to enable everyone to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives, free from abuse.

It has been developed by the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, alongside valuable input from victims and survivors through Shropshire’s Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) who are led by the Domestic Abuse Prevention team at Shropshire Council.

It is now important to obtain further feedback and the council is seeking people’s views on the draft to help form a final version.

The survey will close on 9 March 2026. Please take time to complete the survey, which you can access by clicking here.

Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for adult social care, said:

“By opening this public consultation, the local Domestic Abuse Partnership Board is inviting residents, professionals, and community groups to help shape a strategy that genuinely reflects the needs of our rural county. Your insight will be pivotal in ensuring our response is grounded in the voices of those most affected. I strongly encourage everyone to take part and contribute to this significant work.”

Domestic abuse includes any pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected. Abuse may be emotional, psychological, economic, sexual, physical or digital and includes coercive controlling behaviours.

Who can be affected?

• Anyone: women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, children, and adults from all backgrounds
• Children, including unborn, who see, hear, or experience abuse are considered as victims (in their own right) in law
• It can occur in any personal relationship, including intimate partners, family members, siblings, parent/guardians or those sharing parental responsibility and carers
• People with protected characteristics, such as disabilities minority ethnic groups, faiths, or immigration statuses, can also be affected.

Recognising that domestic abuse can affect anyone is essential to creating an inclusive and effective response. It ensures support is accessible to everyone, including those who face extra barriers—such as people living in rural communities. The Rural Crime Network reported in 2019 that domestic abuse lasts up to 25% longer in most rural areas.

With around 57% of Shropshire’s population living in rural communities, our strategy places rurality at the forefront to ensure no one is left without the support they need.