Work to prepare the next Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Management Plan is progressing following a successful period of public and stakeholder engagement.

Earlier this year, Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with Shropshire Council invited residents, businesses, organisations and visitors to help shape the next Management Plan through a public consultation. The project has now moved into the next stage, with work underway to review feedback and prepare the first draft of the new plan.

The consultation generated a high level of engagement, with valuable feedback received through the public survey and discussions with a range of local organisations and community groups. Alongside local engagement, the project team is continuing to work with national organisations, including the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency, to help inform the draft Management Plan.

The feedback received will help shape the new Management Plan, which will guide the protection, conservation and management of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Work is now focused on preparing the first draft of the Management Plan, drawing on the feedback received through the consultation and ongoing engagement with local and national stakeholders.

Further opportunities for consultation will be planned for autumn 2026, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders another chance to review the emerging draft and provide feedback before the Management Plan is finalised.

A summary of the consultation findings is now available to view here: ironbridgegorgewhs.co.uk