Wildlife and Landscape Management.

An interesting subject often ignored by many organisations is the upkeep of its surrounding area.

At Telford Steam Railway we have an active Wildlife and Landscape group with specific responsibilities for this interesting area.

The uncultivated cuttings and embankments form a 'wildlife corridor' through the urban sprawl that is Telford. Whilst we cannot lay claim to any 'rare species' of flora or fauna foxes, adders and grass snakes are occasionally seen as are common newts. In spring the area is a migration route for hundreds of tiny toads. A wide variety of butterflies can be seem on the embankments throughout the summer.

The aims of the group are fairly simple 'To recreate and maintain the traditional flora and fauna of a typical rural branch line'.

Modern plants that have been cultivated for domestic use are not deliberately grown but rather traditional types, for example heathers are encouraged. As well as growing and encouraging plants, the control of unwanted ones and overgrowth takes much time and effort.