Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
Lower Heath Play Area
Description
Green space enclosed by housing which includes a large play area and small games pitch. It has small area of native vegetation containing a mature oak tree, and a few other larger trees planted for amenity when the green space was established.
New planting, funded by Mersey Forest and the William Dean Trust, was carried out in 2021 by Trees for Congleton and Cheshire Wildlife Trust volunteers with the help of local residents. This included beech hedging on eastern boundaries, mixed native hedge planting with hedgerow trees on the southern boundary, fruit trees in two areas plus individual lime, oak, crab apple, rowan and birch trees within the green space, and several small copses of native trees and shrubs. The copses unfortunately disappeared through vandalism. There remains scope for further planting and biodiversity enhancement.
Planting benefits
- Carbon storage, shade and shelter to mitigate effects of climate change
- Addition to green network, providing habitat, flowers and berries for wildlife
- Mini-orchards for food and wildlife
- Greater visual and play interest.
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. Fruit trees are pruned by volunteers. 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 fence height (1.2 m), with sides trimmed annually on the side next to the access roads, but only lightly, or in alternate years on the side facing the green space, to allow the hedge to thicken and flowers and berries to be produced.
Would you like to be a friend of Lower Heath Play Area?
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!