THE future for both people and wildlife in a beautiful part of rural Worcestershire could be transformed by a new conservation trust.

Besides protecting the marshes to the west of the River Severn, south of Upton-upon-Severn, Longdon and Eldersfield Marsh Conser-vation Trust is interested in promoting local businesses, affordable housing and employment opportunities.

Set up by people who live and work on the two marshes, the trust aims to establish a common logo for all local products, ranging from meat to baskets and furniture.

"We realised there was huge potential for a local group covering everything that affects isolated rural communities," said chairman Mike Barnes, of Linhay Farm, Birtsmorton, near Malvern.

"That means having sufficient low cost housing, as well as a market for local produce.

"We feel that if we are to solve some of the problems facing us all, we must get together."

One member has planning permission for a butchery and in the future they hope to produce meat from the marshes and sell direct to the public, so that people will know exactly where their meat is coming from.

Another project is to secure funding for the restoration of around 40 ancient arched bridges that have fallen into disrepair.

It is intended to protect and enhance the environment as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including 40 species of birds nesting, visiting or spending winters on the marshes, such as curlews, lapwings, skylarks, linnets, pied wagtails, reed buntings and redstarts.

The trust will act as a centre for information and statistics about the marshes and a forum for people to discuss matters of local concern.

It plans to liaise with the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board, based in Bristol, on flood management, drainage and wildlife conservation issues.

More information can be found on the trust's website, www.marshtrust.org.uk

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