Onny Meadows: New wetland aims to reduce flooding for residents

Grant Wilson said there would be a bird hide at the new wetland

A new wetland is being created through a £25,000 grant from a water firm.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, in Craven Arms, will create a 200 sq m (239 sq yd) wetland site on Onny Meadows with money from Severn Trent.

The aim is to help reduce flooding for homes further downstream by holding water back as well as creating a new habitat for wildlife.

Centre manager Grant Wilson said they have ensured the new wetland will be open to all.

"A key part of our mission as a charity is to connect people to the landscape of this beautiful area," Mr Wilson said.

The charity hoped the wetland, which will be situated next to the River Onny, would attract great crested newts, invertebrate animals and wetland birds.

The grant was from water firm Severn Trent

There will also be a bird hide and a live feed of the wildlife, which will be shown in the centre.

Mr Wilson said they hoped the project, named Squelch, would improve people's love and understanding of their local wildlife.

"It was important as many people as possible could benefit from Squelch, so the accessible paths and live video feed complement the scheme really well," he said.

The scheme was expected to be completed by spring 2024.