Length:             1.75 mile

Duration:           3 minutes

Difficulty:           Easy

Direction:           One way

Accessibility:      Canal towpaths

 

Summary

The Kingfisher Trail, a 1.75 mile easy walk, runs alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, through the Shobnall, Horninglow and Eton districts of Burton upon Trent. 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.

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.

The Channel has today developed into a wildlife haven and semi-natural habitat with regular sightings of kingfishers.

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.

 

Starting Point:

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

 

Opening times:

Always open

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.

 

Map:

Not available

 

Bus:

TBC

Train:

TBC

 

Other attractions in the area:

Shobnall Leisure Complex

Burton upon Trent

 

Click on the first image to start the slide show