Shropshire Council Rangers at Severn Valley Country Park are celebrating the sighting of the rare Scarce Chaser dragonfly.

The site, located in Alveley close to Bridgnorth, is very popular with photographers many of whom share photographs on the Severn Valley Country Park Wildlife Group Facebook page.

One of the 2,000 members of the Group, Wai (Jimmy) Yau recently uploaded a series of photographs without knowing the excitement he was about the create.  John Freshney, who curates the Group spotted the image of the dragonfly and thought the unusual specimen looked very much like a rare species not seen at the Park before.

Photographer Wai (Jimmy) Yau and his picture of the rare dragonfly

Needing an expert opinion, John submitted Jimmy’s photo to Sue Rees Evans, Shropshire County Recorder for the British Dragonfly Society.

Having consulted with her colleagues, she was able to confirm it was indeed a Scarce Chaser dragonfly.

On recording the find Sue advised that this was one of only two sightings ever recorded in Shropshire, the previous one being at Attingham Park in 2008.

Wai (Jimmy) Yau, a regular visitor to Severn Valley Country Park, said:

“I’ve been a member of the Severn Valley Country Park Wildlife Group since September 2025. When I posted the series of photographs which included the Scarce Chaser dragonfly, I wasn’t aware I had captured an image of such a rare species. I was happy to be able to share my photographs with the Group and am delighted to hear it was only the second recorded sighting in Shropshire. A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers for keeping such a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.”

John Freshney, Group Admin and volunteer at Severn Valley Country Park. said:

“Jimmy’s photograph was an incredible find and exciting addition to the list of things to watch out for when you visit the park. This year in May alone, members of the Group recorded 65 species of different birds, insects, butterflies and mammals across the Park”

 Edward Andrews, Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside Manager, added:

“It is fantastic to see new species of wildlife taking up residence at Severn Valley Country Park. The site is a wonderful example of how nature can reclaim former industrial land. Big thanks to Jimmy who recorded the Scarce Chaser dragonfly and our team of staff and volunteers who work so hard to manage the various habitats around the Park.” 

Severn Valley Country Park welcomes 160,000 visitors each year. Recently UKSPF grants have funded an upgrade both the play areas; sales from the 2026 calendar have funded a new reflection pool in the woodland bird hide and, new picnic benches have been installed. The café and visitor centre is now open for more days and longer hours. You can get great food and coffee, 7 days a week from 8am-5pm.

Shropshire Council is celebrating the county’s armed forces community on Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June [2026].

A family fun day celebration at Shrewsbury Castle will offer a day full of family-friendly activities, which also allows visitors to show their gratitude towards armed forces personnel both past and present.

The event is between 11am and 3pm and is free. Throughout the day, there will be interactive activities for all the family from local emergency services, service charities, Shropshire Brass Band, refreshments, Blingy band and bugles, vintage military vehicles, plus much more.

Visitors on the day will also have free access to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum.

The event is being delivered in partnership by Shropshire Council and Wace Morgan. Both organisations are holders of the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award and have been recognised for their respective efforts to provide exceptional support to the armed forces community.

As well as hosting the family fun day there will be other offers to benefit both serving personnel, veterans and their families at the council’s leisure centres and those run by its partners.

Shropshire Council leisure facilities Church Stretton Leisure Centre and Meole Brace Golf Course will be offering free access for serving personnel, family members and veterans on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June.

Shropshire Community Leisure Trust is providing free access at Whitchurch Swimming & Fitness Centre, Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Bishops Castle Leisure Centre and Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre for serving personnel, family members and veterans on Saturday 27 June.

Teme Leisure will be giving free access for serving personnel on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June at Ludlow Leisure Centre and Cleobury Sports Centre.

Halo Leisure is providing free access at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre, Severn Centre, Much Wenlock Leisure Centre for serving personnel, family members and veterans on Saturday 27 and 28 June.

Serving personnel will need to show their service card. Some veterans may have a veteran’s badge or an ID card to qualify.

On Monday 22 June Shropshire Council will be raising the Armed Forces Flag outside the Guildhall in Shrewsbury to show its support for the armed forces community and gratitude for the sacrifice and commitment our past and present service men and women have given. The event will be attended by council staff, councillors, veterans and serving personnel.

Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said

“The family fun day will give the armed forces community the opportunity to spend time with their family and enjoy a range of free activities. As well as the fun day some of our leisure facilities will be offering free access to their facilities. Armed Forces week is something that Shropshire Council have always supported; we want to show our armed forces community that we appreciate what they do for us.”

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A gold post-medieval ring discovered by a responsible metal detectorist in Shropshire is going on display thanks to an ongoing partnership between Shrewsbury’s museum and a law firm.

Museum Assistant Avis Patience with the ring

The ring, discovered near Ellesmere in April 2024, is believed to be a mourning ring commemorating Vincent Corbet dating back to 1680, and despite being more than 340 years old is in remarkable condition.

It is now in the hands of Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery in the town’s Square – something that has been made possible through sponsorship from law firm Lanyon Bowdler.

Amanda Jones, marketing director at Lanyon Bowdler, said:

“The ring was a major find that was reported as potential treasure two years ago. It is in excellent condition considering its age and is a fascinating discovery.

“The museum provides an amazing service through its displays and exhibitions but financial support is needed to ensure exhibits like this ring can go on show to the public. Lanyon Bowdler is delighted to support the museum through sponsorship which has helped this exhibit go on display.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take in the culture and stories of our past by getting up close and personal with wonderful artefacts like this.”

The tradition of mourning rings became popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, being handed out at funerals as a way of helping loved ones, families and friends to remember the deceased.

Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said:

“Research by our curatorial team suggests that the ring commemorates Vincent Corbet, second baronet of Morton Corbet who died of smallpox on 4 February 1680.

“The Corbet family is one of Shropshire’s oldest and most influential families making this a significant item for the county.

“The Shropshire Museum Service is extremely grateful to Lanyon Bowdler for their help in keeping such remarkable objects in the public domain.

“Our corporate sponsors are essential to the museum, as they help us to expand the collection and ensure our museums continue to tell the stories that make Shropshire special.”

The ring is inscribed with ‘V:C: ob: 4 feb: 80. Aeta: 38’ which experts believe refer to Vincent Corbet’s initials followed by ob, short for obituary, the date and age of death. The ob reference was an archaic term for someone’s death between the 14th and 17th centuries.

It has been dated to 1680 as the slanted, predominantly lower-case script is typical of posy and mourning rings dating from the early 17th century onwards.

The ring is made of gold and is extensively decorated on the outside, with the decorations filled with black enamel, which was common practice with mourning rings of that period.

While this process does not usually stand the test of time particularly well with items recovered from the ground, the ring has retained a remarkable amount of enamel – giving an excellent idea of how the ring would have looked at its creation.

Upper Brook Street and Lower Brook Street (including the crossroads) in Oswestry are to be resurfaced from Monday 6 to Tuesday 14 July [2026] as part of Shropshire Council’s 2026/27 resurfacing programme.

During the work the roads will be closed from 9.30am to 4pm, weekdays only. During the closures access to the work areas will be maintained for the following:

• • Residents living within the closure, when safe to do so.
  • Businesses located within the closure, when safe.
  • Pedestrians, dismounted cyclists and equestrians
  • Emergency vehicles (blue light calls)

For all other traffic a signed diversion will be place. Depending on their vehicle type, road users may be able to choose an alternative diversion route.

People are asked to ensure vehicles are not parked on the road whilst the work is in progress.

For more information visit and search the One Network roadworks website.

Resurfacing is a key part of maintaining our roads. It improves long-term road condition, helps prevent further structural issues, and reduces the need for smaller repairs such as filling potholes. The work involves resurfacing the road with a new asphalt layer, applied by a paving machine and compacted to create a smooth, durable surface.

This year more than 90 stretches of road across Shropshire are being resurfaced by Shropshire Council, and more than 70 are being surface dressed.

All planned roadworks are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning signs and on https://one.network/

Work will be carried out by Kier Infrastructure on behalf of Shropshire Council.

Leaders from the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) are heading to Westminster to press ministers to back a practical, locally‑led approach to economic growth and resilience across the Marches.

The partnership, which brings together councils in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Monmouthshire, has written to No.10 and senior ministers setting out how closer cross‑border working can help deliver national priorities such as economic growth, housing, skills, food security and climate resilience.

The MFP approach demonstrates how effective cross‑border collaboration can accelerate delivery by linking growth, the environment and community wellbeing so people and businesses can thrive in the long term.

Across the region, work is already underway on green growth, business resilience, good food and farming, digital innovation and major water management schemes. Together, these programmes aim to support jobs, protect key infrastructure and make the Marches a more resilient place to live and invest.

Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council deputy leader with responsibility for economic growth, said:-

“A key part of our message to Government is the role of local councils. Through the MFP we are uniquely placed to bring partners together and deliver at scale – particularly in our rural and cross‑border areas where we know challenges don’t follow administrative lines.

“The Marches is a place where growth, resilience and environmental improvement have to move together – not in parallel programmes. Local government is the glue that makes that possible, and our cross‑border partnership shows how big challenges can be tackled in a joined‑up way if places are trusted to get on with it.

“If Government is serious about growth and resilience, it needs to back places that are ready to go further and faster. With the right support and a bit of flexibility, the Marches can show what joined‑up, real‑world delivery really looks like.”

As part of its Westminster discussions to be held in person on Tuesday 1 September, the MFP is asking for funding to help scale up delivery, along with closer working with Government to test new ways of getting things done. It is also calling for clear sponsorship at national level to reflect the programme’s contribution to growth, energy and long‑term resilience.

Matthew Ellison, of sensor provider Kisters, with Councillor Sarah Marston and Matt Smith, RSPAWIR programme manager

New sensor technology is being rolled out across peatland sites in north Shropshire to help farmers better understand and manage these environmentally important landscapes.

Delivered through the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR), and the Marches Future Farming Group, which is part of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme demonstrator programme, the project will install a network of wireless sensors across multiple peatland fields, providing real-time data on groundwater levels and soil conditions.

Peatlands are vital for carbon storage, water management and biodiversity but are vulnerable to drying out, particularly during prolonged dry periods. The new technology will allow conditions to be monitored remotely and in real time, improving understanding of how peatland systems respond to changing weather and land use.

This will give farmers and land managers a clearer picture of how their land is functioning and support more informed decision-making.

Sarah Marston, Shropshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said:-

“North Shropshire contains large areas of lowland peat. This is highly productive farmland, but across the country it also stores around 3% of the UK’s greenhouse gasses.

“With climate change leading to longer drier periods, these gasses will be released if the peat loses its moisture. It’s fantastic to see our farming community responding to this challenge by working together and utilising innovative technology.”

Matt Smith, programme manager for RSPAWIR, said:-

“This project is just one of a range of water-based agri-tech use cases that have been funded by the RSPAWIR. It fits into a wider project, initiated by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust that will collectively see 125 hectares of lowland peat monitored using wireless technology.”

The system combines groundwater and soil moisture sensors, carefully positioned to detect changes in water levels and transmit data continuously. By bringing these datasets together, farmers and partners will gain a more detailed understanding of how water moves through each field, supporting more effective land management.

Kate Mayne of the North Shropshire Farmers’ Group, which is leading the project for the Marches Future Farming Group, added:-

“By improving understanding of peat condition, the work will help reduce carbon loss from degraded peat, strengthen the evidence base for restoration and support more resilient farming systems.

“We are looking for insights as the project develops, including how real-time data can support practical decisions to maintain moisture levels, protect productivity and enhance biodiversity.”

 About the RSPAWIR: The RSPAWIR, managed by Shropshire Council, has received £4 million in funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to support the growth of advanced wireless innovation across key economic sectors and is one of ten innovation regions nationally to receive funding.

RSPAWIR focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced wireless technologies across three sectors with strong roots in the catchment area: water management, agri‑tech and the public sector.

About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.

Residents across the county are being reminded that Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile are here to offer in-person, face-to-face support, advice and practical help with the rising cost of living.

Through the services, residents can find out about – and apply for – the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is available to help people on low incomes who are struggling with essential living costs or facing a sudden financial shock. Support available through the fund includes crisis payments, housing support and heating oil support for eligible households, as well as access to wider advice and assistance. The fund is available even if someone does not receive benefits.

Team Leader Veena Grundmanis and Customer Service Advisor Sally Kamara at Shropshire Local at The Guildhall, Shrewsbury: “We’ll take as long as needed to help customers.”

Shropshire Council offers a wide range of cost-of-living support for residents, including help with council tax, benefits, free school meals, Blue Badges, concessionary travel, energy costs and money worries.

Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile can help people understand what they may be entitled to and support residents to access the right services. Shropshire Local have mobile drop-ins all over our county making it easier to talk to an advisor face-to-face.

Councillor Sarah Marston, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Environment, said:

“We know many residents are continuing to feel the pressure of higher household costs, and for some people it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile play an important role in making support easier to access, whether someone needs advice, help with an application, or information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including heating oil support. I would encourage anyone who is worried about money or struggling with essential costs to get in touch and find out what support may be available.”

Veena Grundmanis, Shropshire Local Team Leader, added:

“So many people don’t know what benefits and services they’re entitled to. We take the time to sit down with customers and talk through what’s bothering them. Very often, a customer will come in looking for help applying for a service or benefit, and we’re able to point them towards lots of other ways we can help. There’s never any rush – we make people feel welcome, get to understand their issues, and find ways to get them the support they need. We’ve got the expertise – and for me, it’s a case of just listening closely to people. So whether that means applying for the Crisis and Resilience Fund, other cost-of-living support, or just showing people how to make an application online, we’ll take as long as needed to help customers.”

People can find out more about cost-of-living help through Shropshire Council’s website, by contacting Shropshire Local, or by speaking to the Shropshire Local Mobile team when it visits their area.

Shropshire Local: The Guildhall in Shrewsbury, week days between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council

And at Ludlow Library, week days (except Thursday) between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Ludlow | Shropshire Council

Shropshire Local Mobile visits locations across the county, including Broseley, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Shifnal, Market Drayton, Albrighton, Highley and Bishop’s Castle. For dates and locations, visit: Shropshire Local Mobile | Shropshire Council

Harlescott Lane in Shrewsbury is to be resurfaced from Monday 6 to Friday 24 July [2026] as part of Shropshire Council’s 2026/27 resurfacing programme.

Work will be carried out on weekdays only, and in three phases, when the road will be closed – as follows:

• Phase 1 (Week 1) – Crossroads (Lidl) to Lancaster Road – road closed from 9.30am to 4pm.
• Phase 2 (Week 2) – Lancaster Road to Battlefield Way (night work) – road closed from 8pm to 6am.
• Phase 3 (Week 3) – Battlefield Way to Ellesmere Road – road closed from 9.30am to 4pm.

During the closures access to the work areas will be maintained for the following:

• • Residents living within the closure, when safe to do so.
  • Businesses located within the closure, when safe.
  • Pedestrians, dismounted cyclists and equestrians
  • Emergency vehicles (blue light calls)

For all other traffic a signed diversion will be place. Depending on their vehicle type, road users may be able to choose an alternative diversion route.

There will be no vehicle access permitted over the level crossing during the road closure.

People are asked to ensure vehicles are not parked on the road whilst the work is in progress.

For more information visit and search the One Network roadworks website.

The work involves resurfacing the road with a new asphalt layer, applied by a paving machine and compacted to create a smooth, durable surface. Resurfacing is a key part of maintaining our roads. It improves long-term road condition, helps prevent further structural issues, and reduces the need for smaller repairs such as filling potholes.

This year more than 90 stretches of road across Shropshire are being resurfaced by Shropshire Council, and more than 70 are being surface dressed.

All planned roadworks are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning signs and on https://one.network/

Work will be carried out by Kier Infrastructure on behalf of Shropshire Council.

Watch: Councillor Rob Wilson explains the improvements and other changes

A new Ellesmere to Wem bus service and evening park and ride buses in Shrewsbury are amongst a number of improvements to be introduced later this year, following a review of 21 local bus services supported by Shropshire Council.

In addition the 64 Market Drayton to Shrewsbury service will be protected – using council funding.

Other services that will be retained include: the 437 Broseley-Much-Wenlock- Shrewsbury; 501 Ellesmere to Shrewsbury; 553 Bishop’s Castle to Plox Green (and on to Shrewsbury); 558 Montgomery to Shrewsbury; the 301 Market Drayton town service; and the 701 (Ludlow North) and 702 (Ludlow South).

In Shrewsbury the 20 (Radbrook Green), 23 (Preston Street/Belvidere) and 26 (Meole Village) services will also continue to operate.

The review – carried out as part of the council’s 2026 bus retendering programme – will see new bus services, new more accessible buses, and improved timetables. A number of services will have a new operator and some will stop.

The review has considered the number of passengers using each service – and the cost per passenger journey – and is taking place in the context of reduced Government revenue funding for local bus services, alongside increasing operating costs across the transport sector. Shropshire Council would have to find an additional £1.25 million to continue providing the services as they are now.

The programme includes the 21 services whose five-year contract runs out this year and that are therefore up for review and retender.

The changes to be introduced later this year include:

Shrewsbury Park & Ride​: From 1 November 2026 the three sites will be consolidated into two – Oxon and Harlescott – and the Meole Brace service will be suspended. The operating hours of the Oxon and Harlescott park and ride services will be extended to 10pm, Monday to Saturday. ​

Wem/Ellesmere​: Replace the existing limited town services with a single combined service running six days a week between the two towns, that will provide access to the railway station and other essential services in Wem.​ Service to start on 1 September 2026

Ludlow town network​: Withdraw the very low‑use Park & Ride on 1 September 2026 and focus resources on town centre services, with the introduction of new accessible buses.

Shrewsbury town network​: Withdraw very low‑use services from 1 September 2026 and retain/improve core links where they provide the greatest benefit.​

Inter-urban corridors​: Protect key services operating between market towns.​

For more details about the changes see Bus service review 2026 details

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

“Bus services are vitally important to many people across the county and despite the financial challenges we will be protecting key routes and services, improving local connections and making a number of other improvements.

“We’re having to deal with increasing costs alongside reduced funding, which means we have to work harder to deliver the best possible transport network with the resources available, and this has left with some difficult choices.

”But despite these challenges we will be retaining many important services, and making a number of improvements.”

New bus shelters will electronic real-time information will be installed at Oswestry and Market Drayton bus stations in July 2026, and at the Oxon and Harlescott park and ride sites in Shrewsbury in August 2026.

News from our partners

Dr Jess Harvey, a local GP and key partner in Shropshire’s neighbourhood health work, has received national recognition at the NHS Excellence Awards 2026.

Driving force: Dr Harvey at the awards

Jess has been a driving force behind the county’s neighbourhood health implementation programme, championing strong partnership working across the NHS, Shropshire Council, and voluntary sector colleagues, supporting the council’s wider priorities around prevention and helping people to live well in their communities.

Her work reflects the shared ambition across Shropshire to deliver more joined up, community-based care that supports residents to stay well and live independently.

Rachel Robinson, executive director of public health at Shropshire Council, said:

“This is a well-deserved accolade, and we are proud to celebrate Jess’s leadership, including her commitment to developing relationships and joined-up working across Shropshire’s health and care system.

“Jess has been a driving force behind the county’s neighbourhood working, developing local health and wellbeing centres, driving the neighbourhood health implementation programme in partnership, championing strong partnership working across the NHS, Shropshire Council, and the voluntary sector, supporting our wider priorities around prevention and helping people to live well in their communities.

“Her work reflects a shared ambition across Shropshire, supporting residents to stay well and live independently. It is great to see this approach recognised on the national stage and this award marks an important step in an ongoing journey to further improve outcomes across Shropshire.”

Read more: Local GP, Dr Jess Harvey, triumphs at national NHS Excellence Awards 2026 – NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin