Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
Padgbury Lane, West Heath
Description
Amenity green space with a surfaced path between Rydal Court and Langdale Court and a gentle slope towards the busy Padgbury Lane and garage. A tall birch tree and a cherry tree are now the only remaining mature trees from the original planting, all the rowans on each side having been felled (for reasons unknown).
As part of a new semi-formal design for the green space, a new mixed native hedge with hedgerow lime trees, small copses of native trees and shrubs, and a sizeable orchard with trees in a radial pattern were planted by Trees for Congleton and Cheshire Wildlife Trust volunteers with the help of local residents and children. Fruit trees were funded by the William Dean Trust. The plan shows the planting in May 2022. There is scope for future planting to replace all the subsequent losses, and for the development of a seating area along the path, at the centre of the radial orchard.
Planting benefits
- Separation of green space from traffic to improve safety, filtration of air pollution, reduction of noise and visual intrusion (tree replacement would help with this)
- Carbon storage, shade and shelter to mitigate effects of climate change
- Addition to green network, providing habitat, flowers and berries for wildlife
- Orchard for food, amenity & wildlife
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.
This site was intended to have a semi-formal layout, to suit the shape and new uses of the site. If mowing could be carried out more sympathetically, as shown on the plan, trees would be better protected and a more interesting small park could be developed.
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 Padgbury Lane 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!