I will protect the countryside, tackling issues like water quality, fly tipping, and safeguarding the National Landscape (AONB), so we maintain the beautiful area for generations to come.
South Shropshire is one of the most beautiful places in the country. In fact, much of this constituency (the Shropshire Hills) is officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - now called 'Natural Landscapes'. This is not only a reflection on the stunning landscape we can enjoy in our area, but also sets out this area under the protection of the law. This protection seeks to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.
Our countryside is cherished by us all, and part of my plan is to show everyone the beauty of the area. But it must also be protected. From our rivers to our air, our wildlife to our farmland, there are always pressures and competing interests over the use of our countryside.
What I am absolutely clear on is that the countryside must be protected. This is what makes this place so special: it sustains a wide diversity of animal life and brings so much joy to the many who enjoy their time in the Hills. This has to be our united starting point.
South Shropshire covers an area of approximately 1,027 square kilometers, featuring a diverse landscape of forests, moorlands, hills, and farmland. The Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dominates the landscape, with notable features like the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, Clee Hills, and Wenlock Edge. The area is also dotted with historic market towns, such as Ludlow, Bishop's Castle, Church Stretton, Clun, and Craven Arms.
I will seek to continue the good work of the previous Ludlow MP Philip Dunne, who has chaired the Environmental Audit Committee, which holds Government departments and public bodies to account on their contribution to sustainable development and environmental protection. Philip was a fantastic champion and has been a key voice in raising awareness about the challenges in keeping our rivers clean.
There were 2,087 sewage spills in South Shropshire last year.. When it emerged that the water quality at the River Teme bathing site in Ludlow had been deemed ‘poor’, I called on Ministers to make urgent improvements. I then met with the Environment Agency and attended an event marking the launch of an innovative, new scheme to improve data available to the community and identify sources of pollution. It is welcome that Ludlow is the centre of this pioneering work. I hope to see a marked improvement as a result. I also raised the proposed 'River Onny Pipeline' project, which I am monitoring closely. I am also in conversation with residents and Severn Trent about this development.
When it emerged in December that water quality at the River Teme bathing site in Ludlow had been deemed poor, I called on Ministers to make urgent improvements. In February, I was then invited by the Environment Agency to speak about the importance of this issue at the launch of an innovative pilot that uses wireless technology to improve data collection at the site. It is welcome that Ludlow is now the centre of this pioneering work, which has been enabled by the River Severn Partnership after a £3.75 million investment by the last government. This groundbreaking project will ensure bacterial levels are monitored daily, rather than weekly - equipping swimmers with real-time data on water quality and experts with information about the sources of pollution that can be tackled. I hope to see a marked improvement as a result of this exciting project, which Ministers have told me could be used to make improvements at other bathing water sites in the West Midlands. In October 2025, an extra £400,000 was announced to extend the project for a second time. The project has also been extended to cover the full length of the River Clun.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has improved access to the countryside by covering the capital costs for the improvement of paths and access to four country parks and heritage sites - including Eardington Nature Reserve near Bridgnorth. This makes the sites more accessible for all visitors including those with additional needs, with new paths created and existing ones improved to allow access for wheelchair users. New welcome and direction signs are being developed, including the use of tactile elements. It has also funded the £150,000 Shropshire Green Spaces and Active Travel Fund, being delivered in partnership with Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Wildlife Trust. The funding is for rural communities only.
As I continue Philip's work as your Member of Parliament for South Shropshire, I commit to:
Listening to the challenges our countryside places, resolute to hear the views of everyone who cares about our local countryside;
Supporting any effort that helps to protect and enhance our local countryside, as well as raising the profile of our beautiful Shropshire Hills;
Delivering the funding and protections we need to sustain our countryside and the people who live and work in the area.
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