A £10,000 environmental project which marks a forgotten chapter in Burton’s industrial history reaches its conclusion this weekend.
The scheme has seen 150 native trees planted on the Trent Washlands to create a ‘living map’ marking the route of Peel’s Cut — a manmade waterway created in 1784 to transport water from the River Trent to power Robert Peel’s cotton mills, a major part of Burton’s then lucrative textiles industry.
The scheme reaches its conclusion on Sunday with a ceremony to be attended by Burton MP Andrew Griffiths and East Staffordshire mayor Patricia Ackroyd, who will unveil a commemorative plaque and the first of a series of information boards on the history of the site.
Neil Onions, volunteer centre manager for organiser East Staffordshire Community and Voluntary Service (CVS), said: “It has been absolutely fantastic seeing the idea of one dedicated volunteer grow into this great project.
“I want to thank everyone who has participated, including those who have shared their knowledge and images of Burton’s textile industry, and the developing changes of use as brewing supplanted textiles as the town’s major industry.
“Anybody interested in this project is more than welcome to join us at the Washlands on Sunday, when they will be able to see what we have achieved and, if they like, to join us in planting the final trees.”
The trees, including native pear, apple and black poplars, have been planted by volunteers from across the area, including those from Burton Conservation Volunteers, with the scheme run in conjunction with East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Julia Jessel, the authority’s deputy leader for built environment, said: “We have been very happy to welcome the community and conservation volunteers to the Washlands.
“Their help has been invaluable in creating the welcoming display of spring blossom and free autumn fruit that visitors will see as the seasons progress.
“It is great that this project has been able to highlight such an important but often forgotten part of Burton’s history.”
The scheme was funded by a £9,351 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust via the Government’s Landfill Communities Fund, which sees waste site operators donate part of their landfill tax to green projects.
Margaret Cobbold, executive director of the trust, said: “This project has brought together volunteers who have learnt new skills and knowledge of their local area, while creating a breathing space the whole community can enjoy for many years to come.”
Sunday’s final tree-planting session runs from 10am to 4pm, with volunteers meeting in the car park off Watson Street, behind the Tesco store, at 10am.
The dignitaries will arrive at the same location at noon before walking to the site of the plaque unveiling.
