Shropshire Wild Teams

Do you feel you need to be more active and like the idea of venturing out into the Shropshire countryside?

The “Shropshire Wild Teams” is a nature reserve conservation volunteering project. Our volunteers are primarily, but not exclusively, represented by people using, or have used, mental health services.

Each week volunteers can expect to visit many of Shropshire’s popular and beautiful natural landscapes, as well as lesser known, tucked away places.  People do not need prior experience but must be independent and able to follow and carry out basic instructions. A basic level of physical fitness is required as there will be some distance walking over uneven and challenging terrain while carrying tools, as well as the physicality of habitat management work itself.  If people are not sure, they are very welcome to try us out first before joining.

There are three teams based in Shrewsbury (Monday, Tuesday and Friday). There’s a minibus to pick people up from the Monkmoor area of town. Pick up times are 9.30am. The return drop off is usually between 2pm-2.30pm depending on where the day’s activity is located. As there are limited seats (8 spaces on each day) people can also use their own transport if preferable.

“I have learned so many new skills and made a lot of new friends. I find the group very useful as it builds confidence and social skills….I was a bit dubious about it but soon forgot most of my fears that I had. I am really enjoying the work we are doing… I find it so rewarding.”
– Wild Team Volunteer

“I have greatly enjoyed and benefitted from the involvement of the Shropshire Wild team… They have worked regularly on two of our SSSI Nature Reserves and achieved a significant amount of work which I would not have been able to get done otherwise… I have enjoyed meeting them and could see how interested and involved some of them were in what we are trying to accomplish on our nature reserves.”
– Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Reserves Officer

“Being part of wild teams has been instrumental in my recovery following a mental health problem last year. I had lost pretty much all my self confidence and self esteem.  Working with a team on a variety of worthwhile environmental tasks has not only helped to rebuild my confidence it is also teaching me new skills which I can take with me when I return to work.”
– Wild Team Volunteer

“The help provided by Shropshire Wild Teams has been a great benefit to us as land managers. This symbiosis works on so many levels, it enables us to introduce new people to the wonders of the great outdoors and the far reaching physical and mental health benefits experienced. It enhances the community of people visiting sites, promotes community cohesion, tackles rural loneliness and has the potential to introduce people to a whole new way of life that’s both educational and dynamic.”
– Country Parks & Sites Officer, Shropshire Council

If you would like to know more, please contact Simon Brown on 07990 086384 or email simon.brown@shropshire.gov.uk