Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
Marshall Grove, Mossley
Description
Amenity green space with play area and informal kickabout which is privately owned but maintained by Congleton Town Council’s Streetscape team. Developed at the head of a wooded clough draining to the Dane in Shaw Brook, it has outstanding views towards Congleton Cloud over attractive countryside with Local Landscape Designation in the CEC Local Plan. The remnants of an avenue of trees which once led to the former Mossley House can be seen (all Have Tree Preservation Orders).
Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Trees for Congleton volunteers, and local residents carried out new planting in 2020, including lime trees to fill gaps in the avenue, a number of individual oak, beech and wych elm trees from stock resistant to Dutch Elm disease (donated by Dot Wilson, former National Trust gardener and local resident), and copses of mainly native trees and shrubs. The plan below shows the site as planted. However, many new trees and shrubs were removed in 2021 and in 2022. There is scope for limited replacement planting or the addition of a mini orchard.
Planting benefits
- Carbon storage, shade and shelter to mitigate effects of climate change
- Drainage improvements – tree roots break up underlying subsoil and take up water
- Addition to green network, providing habitats, flowers and berries for wildlife
- Historic landscape restoration (avenue) and trial wych elm restoration
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.
Note that some, but not all, of the young trees and shrubs planted can be coppiced (by workers trained in woodland management) if in future years there is any conflict with other uses. This would also help to develop a varied age structure in the planting. If thinning is carried out, it should include the removal of any remaining non-native alders.
Would you like to be a friend of Marshall Grove?
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! This area is next to open countryside, and 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!