DARWIN’S WOOD TOP TIP

Darwin’s Origin of Species may have started life here

CHARLES DARWIN WAS born in Shrewsbury in 1809 and this woodland is next to the house The Mount, where he was brought up. He is well known for his contribution to the science of evolution and his book (one of many) the Origin of Species, and for his five-year journey round the world in HMS Beagle. He changed the way we see nature. This enjoyable walk travels alongside the River Severn and hints at Darwin’s inspiration when he lived here in his younger days to develop his interest in the natural world. And this area hasn’t really c h an g ed much with the river ambling by and the trees, some maybe planted by the Darwin family, hosting a range of bird species, from Kingfisher to woodpeckers. The walk can be followed both upstream and downstream depending on the time available, although the downstream route takes you into the town. There’s an area which often has a herd of cows – although they usually ignore you there is no protection on the riverside track. Good any time of year, the site always has Mute Swans and Mallards breeding and, usually, Sand Martins in parts of the riverbank. Kingfisher is more likely to be seen upstream and in winter there will be wildfowl. There are lots of common birds like House Sparrow and Blackbird around but also woodland birds such as Willow Tit and Treecreeper. Enjoy!