Tree works begin at the Mere in Ellesmere

Shropshire County Council has begun the landscape restoration works at the Mere in Ellesmere, after improvements to the historic Boathouse Restaurant started at the end of last year.

The £2.1m project has been made largely possible by £1.13m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (£283,250) and The BIG Lottery Fund (£849,750) under the Parks for People programme, plus match funding from regional partners.

Tree and scrub removal around the Boathouse during February and March will allow further works to be carried out to the building including an extension, a viewing terrace and walkways along the Mere edge. The first phase of work will remove some trees and scrub which have self seeded in the park. The second phase of work will be carried out later this year and will establish new exotic trees in the park and improve the flower beds.

Other improvements to the park include a new interpretation programme to include community education events and activities, partnerships with local schools and colleges, a new website with downloadable podcasts and a volunteer programme.

Councillor Ann Hartley, local councillor and Chair of the Mere Committee said: “Many people living in Ellesmere have told us that they really want to see the gardens looking neat and tidy. These improvements will create gardens that local people can be really proud of.”

Angela Jones, Countryside Manager with Shropshire County Council said: “Visitors will notice a lot of tree work being carried out before the spring. Later in the year there will be tree and shrub planting throughout the park including Cremorne Gardens and along the Promenade.”

The Cremorne Gardens and surrounding landscape were originally designed in the 19th Century as ‘pleasure grounds’ for Lord Brownlow. They consisted of lawned areas with range of exotic trees such as wellingtonia and a Horse Chestnut avenue. Some areas were under-planted with flowering shrubs such as Rhododendron which have now become over-grown and swamped by self-seed scrub such as sycamore and alder.

As there has been limited tree works in recent decades there is now a backlog of work. This includes a number of mature and over mature trees which need to be removed for health and safety reasons. To recreate and maintain the ‘pleasure grounds’, there will be a rolling programme of tree removal and re-planting.

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund Head of West Midlands region said: “These are exciting times for the people of Ellesmere as the Mere’s Lottery transformation begins to take place. It is a stunning natural asset and I'm really looking forward to seeing the park and lakeside improve over the coming year.”

Anne Jenkins, Regional Manager for HLF West Midlands said: “We are delighted to see this work start which will restore an important 19th Century designed landscape and its architecture bringing it back to its former glory for today’s local communities to enjoy.”

15 February 2008