A fascinating new Tree Trail is to be launched at Victoria Park in Ilkeston this month, an event which will also celebrate a great arts project link-up between Erewash Borough Council and Ilkeston Specialist Arts College.
The trail features 18 different trees, all of which offer an abundance of colour throughout the seasons, and is a great family attraction, adding extra interest to a stroll through Victoria Park.
New brass plaques for the trees have been designed by art students from Ilkeston Specialist Arts College as part of the project, led by the Council’s Pride in Erewash Campaign.
The students will join the launch of the Tree Trail on Wednesday 16th June at 10am, when they will showcase the plaques, which have all been mounted on timber posts around the park.
Councillor Barbara Harrison, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for the Environment, said:
“We have been absolutely delighted to work with the young people at Ilkeston Specialist Arts College and the designs they have produced for the new plaques are first class. They should be rightly proud of their work, which will be enjoyed by all the residents and visitors who regularly go to Victoria Park, one of the most popular places in Ilkeston.”
The new Tree Trail features a wide selection of the many trees that can be found in the park, including the Raywood Ash, the Golden Weeping Willow, the Silver Maple, the Tree of Heaven and the Horse Chestnut.
Ilkeston Specialist Arts College has a regular link to Victoria Park, having officially ‘adopted’ it in 2007 through the Pride in Erewash Adopt-a-Park Scheme. The scheme encourages young people to develop a caring attitude towards their environment and stimulate an interest in nature and wildlife.
One 12-year-old Ilkeston student involved in the project said:
“It was really exciting to be part of a live project that will be displayed in Ilkeston for many years to come. It is amazing to see our work bought to life in brass.”
The launch of the new Tree Trail plaques follows the Council’s large-scale winter ‘makeover’ for Victoria Park’s borders and garden areas. Work has included the replanting of the long herbaceous border and the two circular beds along with a new look for the entrance to the park.
MEDIA PHOTOCALL: Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend the launch of the new Tree Trail and brass plaques.
Date - Wednesday 16th June
Time - 10am
Location - Victoria Park, Ilkeston. Meet at bandstand in the centre of the park
