MERRINGTON GREEN

Trees and bushes have sprung up all over this ancient common, which once would have been a neatly nibble sward, grazed by commoners' cattle and sheep. Now it is in the ownership of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, with the Trust in charge of managing it.

Areas of grassland have been reopened, encouraging a range of wild flowers to return. There are also several ponds, restored under Trust management, attracting lots of dragon and damselfies.

Dense thickets of bramble, blackthorn and other bushes make this a wonderful place for small birds. Listen for the sound of spring here, the sweet cascade of the willow warbler's song and look out for whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and blackcap.