Shropshire Hills AONB Trust

Working alongside the AONB Partnership, the AONB Trust supports activities which protect the wildlife and heritage of the Shropshire Hills, and enables local people, businesses and organisations to become involved in caring for the countryside around them. 

Money raised by the AONB Trust is distributed to projects in the community.  Most of it is given in small grants through the AONB Conservation Fund, but we also have public appeals for specific projects.

Follow the links to find out more about the trust's current activity:

Friends of the Shropshire Hills AONB – our membership scheme run jointly with the AONB Partnership. All membership fees go directly into the AONB Conservation Fund.

AONB Conservation Fund – this is a small grant pot to support projects which help conserve, enhance and raise awareness of the Shropshire Hills landscape. The Fund is now open for applications to next year’s round of funding.  Deadline for applications is 6th March 2020.

Fix the Fort Appeal - we need to raise £10,000 to fix Caer Caradoc’s worn-down ramparts.

Shuttle Bus Supporters – a simple way for passengers to support our seasonal Long Mynd & Stiperstones Shuttle Bus service.

About the AONB Trust & the Trustees

The AONB Trust works alongside the official body for the statutory aspects of the designation, the AONB Partnership. The Partnership is funded by government and through the local authority employs a small team undertaking projects and strategic work.

The Shropshire Hills AONB covers quarter of the county and there is a need to do much more to help nature recover, to conserve what is left and to help address the environment and climate crisis facing us.

The AONB Trust's vision:

The natural beauty of the Shropshire Hills is secured forever as a place where wildlife, people, landscape and heritage thrive in harmony.

and objectives are to:

  • develope organisational capacity
  • fundraising
  • co-operative working with other people and groups.

Trustees & how to get involved

We have a maximum of eight trustees serving for up to three consecutive two or three year terms.  We are currently have two vacancies, so please get Contact Us if you are interested in getting involved.

Four trustees are appointed by the Trust, three are nominated by the AONB Partnership, and one - the AONB Partnership Manager - sits ex-officio.

Despite the differences in how they are selected and their terms of office, all trustees have the same obligations and equal voting rights.

This governance structure is intended to provide a balance between appointed members and those with a link to the AONB Partnership. In this way, the Trust remains legally and functionally independent of the AONB Partnership.

The Trustees include the following:
Appointed trustees (3-year terms):

  • Anthony Morgan (chair)
  • Alastair Warrington
  • vacancy

Nominated trustees (2-year terms):

  • George Chancellor
  • Veronica Cossons
  • Joe Manifold
  • vacancy

Ex-officio (term limited by employment):

  • Phil Holden