Trees for Congleton – Completed Sites
Windsor Place
Description
This amenity green space was once part of a small croft and crossed by a hedgerow but was affected by residential development leaving it with irregular edges and slopes. There are well-grown trees, shrubs and hedges on many boundaries. It is now managed as a neighbourhood nature reserve, with footpaths linking it to nearby streets.
Areas of native trees and shrubs, some individual oak and lime trees, and a sizeable orchard of 15 fruit trees were planted by Trees for Congleton, Cheshire Wildlife Trust volunteers and local children in 2021. The orchard was funded by the William Dean Trust. In 2022 a mixed native hedge funded by the Tree Council was planted next to the car park by Trees for Congleton volunteers and local residents. Some replacement planting was carried out in 2023. There is scope for managing the site to increase biodiversity and amenity.
Planting benefits
- 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
- Screening of car parking.
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.
It is intended that the hedge is maintained at around 1.2 m high, with sides trimmed annually, but lightly to allow the hedge to thicken and flowers and berries to be produced.
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 Windsor Place 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 this is 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!