The Hurley Brook wildlife corridor is a small stream that flows from two pools in Leegomery into farmland near the Hoo Farm roundabout. Although it may seem small, it plays a vital role in connecting wildlife habitats within the urban area. By linking these green spaces, the corridor allows animals to safely move between them, helping to maintain biodiversity in a built-up environment.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s “Green Guarantee” protects the Hurley Brook wildlife corridor from future development. This protection helps preserve it as a potential nature reserve. Inspired by successful groups like the Friends of Dot Hill Local Nature Reserve, we aim to create a similar group. Our goal is to monitor the water quality in the brook and pools in Apley.
The council has agreed to fund equipment for testing water quality, enabling volunteers to collect important data. Additionally, we are collaborating with Warwick University to monitor waterborne antibiotics in the area as part of a national survey. This research will help us better understand the impact of pollutants on local water systems and wildlife.
We will store the collected data in a database managed by Telford & Wrekin Council and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Both Severn Trent plc and the Environment Agency will have access to this information, which will help guide future water quality improvements. We hope this initiative will follow in the footsteps of the successful “Love Your Rivers” project, which improved water quality in other parts of the region.
If you’d like to volunteer or learn more about the testing, please contact Brett Corden.