Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
St John’s Playing Field, Buglawton
Description
Extensive flat area of mown grass playing fields on a terrace between housing on St John’s Road, and the River Dane floodplain. At the northern end, close to Havannah School, is a play area. The floodplain area, separated from the playing fields by a vegetated embankment, is left in a largely natural state, with an informal riverside footpath.
Several large areas of trees and shrubs were planted in 2022 by Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Trees for Congleton volunteers, funded by Mersey Forest, but some had to be replanted in 2023, as shown on the plan below. The planting includes some rare native black poplars, and other species suited to low-lying areas near rivers such as willows and alder. There is a small orchard behind the play area, funded by the William Dean Trust.
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-orchard for food, amenity & wildlife
- Conservation of rare tree species
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 will be pruned by volunteers. It is appreciated that many residents help by picking litter when visiting the green space.
Note that many, 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.
Would you like to be a friend of St John’s Playing Field’s 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 below 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!