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
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.
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 the nearby 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
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