Who we are

Welcome to the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust an independent and registered charity dedicated to managing the majority of the historic landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in Shropshire. Since its foundation in 1991, the Trust has been the guardian of this remarkable landscape ensuring its protection for generations to come..

Managing an iconic landscape

Spanning approximately 289 hectares, the Trust looks after an impressive array of natural and historical treasures, including woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds, historic landmarks, picnic areas and 25km of footpaths. Within the landscape are three nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which are testament to the areas underlying ecological value.

Our mission

But our mission goes beyond conservation, we want to get people involved in the work that we do. Through our Outdoor Learning and Volunteering Programmes we encourage the local community to engage and connect with the natural environment in a variety of ways.  We also have a volunteer shepherd scheme known as the ‘Lookerers’ (yes, that’s a thing!) who help look after the rare breed of Soay sheep that graze our meadows.

Sustainable future

Endowed with a 999-year lease and income generating commercial properties the Trust has a sustainable foundation and the resources to manage the landscape for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.

Our mission is to promote, protect and conserve the living landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge for the benefit of local people and visitors. 

5 key aims

We aim to balance public access, with landscape and nature conservation, safeguard historic and cultural features, whilst engaging with the public and developing a wider awareness and knowledge of the Trust and its work.