About

Severn Gorge Countryside Trust was set up in 1991 and is an independent Charitable Trust and Limited Company.  It is governed by 12 Trustees nominated by 8 Member Organisations and 2 Community Trustees. It employs 4 staff and is supported by approximately 50 active volunteers and 20 contractors.

The Trust is responsible for managing the living landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.  We manage 260 hectares of land for the benefit of local people and visitors. In doing so we have to balance the needs of public access, landscape and nature conservation, safeguarding and conserving historic and cultural features, engaging the community and promoting and developing an awareness of the Trust and its work.

To help us to manage the living landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site we have identified 5 main themes (each equally important).

To enhance the living and working landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site so that it retains its locally distinctive characteristics, habitats and species populations.

To provide inspiring experiences of the natural world and encourage people to manage their local environment through volunteering opportunities

To conserve and interpret where appropriate all features of cultural and historical significance on our land within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

To provide high quality access for informal recreation for the enjoyment of all and to encourage outdoor activity for the benefits of health and wellbeing

To develop and promote a wider awareness and understanding of the Trust's work.