Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
Hankinson’s Field
Description
Sports field between Leisure Centre and River Dane with existing waterside trees including large hybrid black poplar, tall Lombardy poplars, alders and other species. A busy car park is located near the Park Road entrance, serving both Hankinson’s Field and Congleton Park.
New planting on the south side of the car park consists of a mixed hawthorn, beech and holly hedge, funded by the Tree Council, with 6 flowering cherry trees commemorating the Queen’s Jubilee funded by the Town Council. All were planted in 2022 by Trees for Congleton volunteers including young people from Visyon, Scouts and Ranger groups.
The area between the car park and the river is managed for biodiversity enhancement, with wildflower plugs and nest boxes provided by the Tree Council, and seeded with wildflowers by the Town Council.
Planting benefits
- Carbon storage, shade and shelter to mitigate the effects of climate change
- Addition to green network, providing habitat, flowers, and shelter for wildlife
- Separation and screening of cars from green space and sports field
Management
Once new planting is established, generally after one year, it is handed over to Congleton Town Council’s Streetscape team which already looks after green spaces in the town. Cheshire East Council (Ansa) may also be involved, working alongside our Town Council team. It is appreciated that many residents help by picking litter when visiting the green space.
It is intended that the hedge is maintained at around 1.2m high, with sides trimmed annually but only lightly, to allow the hedge to thicken and flowers and berries to be produced.
Would you like to be a friend of Hankinson’s Field Green space?
We would love local residents to become ‘friends’ of the trees and plants planted in the area. A ‘friend’ would keep an eye on the site and report any damage or problems, or indeed how the plants are flourishing! As one of the Town Council’s 30 Biodiversity Sites any information on wildlife or suggestions for enhancement would be welcomed. Please fill in the form with your contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.
Get Involved………
If you have been inspired by what you have read, want to volunteer or join the Congleton Partnership…….we are waiting to hear from you!