Derrington Millennium Green Trust - Derrington, Staffordshire
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  • Derrington Millennium Green Trust - Derrington, Staffordshire
  • (Country, Environment)
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Further Description
  • Prior to 1998 there was nowhere in Derrington for people to go for a walk with any degree of safety. Our tale began in 1991 when Stafford Borough Council were promoting a Spring-Clean Campaign to encourage local people to help improve their own environment. Following a leaflet drop around the village, approximately 30 residents met one Sunday morning to litter-pick and clean up a local eyesore at the edge of the village. After a hard day’s work, additional workdays were arranged that eventually led to the formation of Derrington Countryside Group from a like-minded number of enthusiastic villagers. We worked closely with both the Parish and County Councils and, meeting one Sunday each month, got involved in local footpath work, tree planting and maintenance, hedge laying, fencing, stream clearing and bulb planting, etc. Some of this work was grant aided for which we opened a bank account.  Several major litter-picking projects were also carried out. In March 1998 two separate fields, adjacent to the village, were put up for sale. Considering that the smaller 11 acre field would make an ideal wildlife area  we actively sought how such a purchase could be made. After visiting various bodies, we made contact with The Woodland Trust and The Countryside Commission, whose aims, were to create 200 “Woods On Your Doorstep” and 300 “Millennium Greens” across the country. Many meetings and site visits later, a unique decision was made; we would run a joint project with both organisations, to raise sufficient funds for both fields, the small field to become the Millennium Green and the larger 23½ acre field, a community woodland. A gentleman’s agreement was struck with the landowner, allowing us twelve months to complete the purchase. After vigorous fundraising, our group, and the village as a whole, raised sufficient funds to enable the purchase twelve months to the day.  The Woodland Trust now manage the woodland whilst members of the Countryside Group after forming a Charitable Trust, run and maintain the Millennium Green. Then began the hard work of converting a field into what is now open breathing space comprising 4½ acres of wildflower meadows, a community orchard with over 100 fruit and nut trees, a willow sculpture, approximately 1300 various native trees, a large semi-wild area, and an extended pond designed to encourage wildlife. Villagers, including some children, joined the Trustees in carrying out this a daunting task!   It’s impossible to put into words the immense amount of work that has been put into this labour of love. In the Millennium Green we now have a wonderful amenity that is an area of natural beauty accessible to everybody. It’s walking areas provide encouragement for a healthier lifestyle, and are part of the ‘Stafford Doorstep Walks for Health Route’. There are valuable educational benefits for all age groups. As an aid to fundraising towards the vital maintenance costs of this amazing project we also produce a regular Newsletter and Calendar.
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