Kingfisher Trail - Green Flag Award Winning Park 2007 to 2012
Location - Follows the canal between Princess Way, Stretton and Shobnall Leisure Complex.
Address - Access points at: Princess Way, Stretton, Burton upon Trent DE14 2AG Horninglow Basin, Horninglow Road, Burton upon Trent DE14 2PT Dallow Lock, Dallow Street, Burton upon Trent DE14 2PQ Shobnall Street, Burton upon Trent DE14 2HR.
Free admission
Description
In 2005, residents and local organisations working together under the banner of the Kingfisher Project, began to work together, to help save this local green space. Over the past three years steady progress has been made, the result being that it has acted as an important community catalyst and in turn given inspiration to other groups elsewhere facing similar issues. The Channel has today developed into a wildlife haven and semi-natural habitat with regular sightings of kingfishers.
The Kingfisher Trail runs alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, through the Shobnall, Horninglow and Eton districts of Burton upon Trent. Located at OS grid reference SK244248 near to the A38, which is a major connecting route between Burton upon Trent and Derby. The site is situated in the Borough of East Staffordshire, linking urban fringes with the centre of Burton upon Trent.
History
In the mid 1970’s the Horninglow Channel was cut to assist with water flow and preventing flooding in Burton upon Trent. The Channel flows through four wards in Burton upon Trent, and today it drains approximately 50% of the town’s surface water. In May 2005 a local residents meeting took place, facilitated by the Heart of Burton Partnership, to discuss the opportunities and concerns around the Shobnall Brook/Horninglow Channel, which had become an area for fly-tipping, rubbish and graffiti. The Kingfisher Management Group was formed in March 2006, and consists of residents from the area, the Resident Involvement Officer from Trent & Dove Housing who provides facilitation for the group, local councillors and representatives of East Staffordshire Borough Council and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Management
The Kingfisher Trail is a fine example of how people can make a difference and an undoubted asset to the local community. In keeping with the design, location and history, our vision Kingfisher Project is to maintain the trail as a habitat for wildlife with attractive views along the trail and across to the hills, a safe and welcoming place with several access points and suitable for wheelchair users, kept to a high standard which local people can be proud to be associated with.
Please take a look at the Kingfisher Trail management plan
Mural at Dallow Lock
How to get there:
Location of the Kingfisher Trail: Map (external link), Princess Way DE14 2SG entrance
Location of the Kingfisher Trail: Map (external link), Horninglow Basin DE14 2PT entrance
Location of the Kingfisher Trail: Map (external link), Dallow Lock DE14 2PQ entrance
Location of the Kingfisher Trail: Map (external link), Shobnall Street DE14 2HR entrance
By car from A38 Dallow Street (car parking available for eight vehicles) - pedestrians, cyclists and vehicular access; Including. 1 disabled space
By National Bicycle Network No.54 (part of Sustrans network) - for pedestrians and cyclists; Sustrans Horninglow Basin (via Horninglow Road) - for pedestrians and cyclists;
Footpath via Shobnall Street - for pedestrians and cyclists;
Entrance over footbridge from Shobnall Playing Fields - for pedestrians and cyclists;
Entrances via Weston Park Avenue and close to Eton Park School - for pedestrians and cyclists;
Burton upon Trent has one mainline railway station, which is approximately 30 minutes walk from The Kingfisher Trail; (10 mins from the southern/Shobnall end)
The nearest public toilets are located at Shobnall Fields Leisure Complex, located close to the southern end of The Kingfisher Trail.
Bus routes:
17 stops near Burton Albion football stadium for the Princess Way entrance.
2, 2a stops near the Horninglow Basin entrance
3, 3a stops near the Shobnall Street entrance.
Facilities:
Benches
Moorings
Disabled access suitable for wheelchair use.
Wooden play sculptures at Shobnall end.
Maps showing local amenities at Horninglow Basin and Dallow Lock. Level tarmac cycle track.
Facilities at Shobnall Leisure Complex
Sports Hall
Athletics Track
Football and Rugby pitches
Play Area
Turtle Beach paddling pool
BMX/Skateboard Park
Bowling green
Pitch and putt
Tennis courts x2
Toilets
Contact
For further information call 01283 508000 or email paul.steed@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
East Staffordshire Borough Council will continue to engage with the local community to ensure it serves the local needs now and in the future. For further information on joining the Kingfisher Project call the Green Spaces team on 01283 508657 or email paul.steed@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk