Educating Future Generations at Wood Lane Nature Reserve

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Tudor Griffiths Group and Shropshire Wildlife Trust: Educating Future Generations at Wood Lane Nature Reserve

Tudor Griffiths Group is proud to celebrate its longstanding partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust in maintaining and enhancing the award-winning Wood Lane Nature Reserve in Ellesmere. Developed on part of the company’s restored quarry, this unique reserve has become a thriving haven for wildlife and an invaluable educational resource for the community.

Wood Lane Nature Reserve is not only home to a rich variety of bird species, including over 500 sand martins, swans, ducks, and kingfishers, but it also serves as a hub for environmental education. Each year, hundreds of schoolchildren visit the site, participating in engaging and interactive learning experiences led by Shropshire Wildlife Trust. The reserve provides a unique outdoor classroom where students explore sustainability, wildlife conservation, geology, and local history through hands-on activities.

The site’s spacious bird hides and designated teaching spaces offer an ideal environment for structured learning, while the purpose-built trailer ride provides an exciting way for students to explore the quarry and its surroundings. The reserve’s diverse landscape of woodland, wildflower meadows, lagoons, and wetlands provide an immersive experience that enhances students’ understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.

One of the flagship educational initiatives, the ‘Secrets of Waste’ workshop, offers an eye-opening insight into waste management and recycling. Kathryn Jones, Education and Learning Officer at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, says: “Our ‘Secrets of Waste’ workshops provide a unique opportunity to visit the TG Group landfill site and recycling facility at Wood Lane. Discovering the fascinating story of what happens to our rubbish and compare this with how nature recycles, the session includes an exciting trailer ride to see parts of the site not open to the public. Our workshops are enjoyed as part of school curricula, eco-councils, and as part of the Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards, and we welcome the opportunity to work with new schools and groups interested in learning more about waste and recycling.”

Recognised as one of the best bird-watching sites in Shropshire, the reserve has been carefully developed from former quarried land, demonstrating how restoration efforts can create outstanding ecological and educational benefits. Managed water levels ensure ideal conditions for wading birds such as greenshank and curlew, while dedicated nesting areas support rare and breeding species, including lapwing, tree sparrow, and yellow hammer.

The success of Wood Lane Nature Reserve is a testament to the positive impact of collaboration between industry and conservation. Tudor Griffiths Group remains committed to fostering biodiversity and sustainability while continuing to work alongside Shropshire Wildlife Trust to inspire future generations in environmental stewardship.

For further information or to arrange a visit to Wood Lane Nature Reserve, please contact: kathrynj@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire’s wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues. www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk