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Neighbourhood Trees
Location: Shropshire
Oswestry is a historic market town in Shropshire. Research already carried out by the group suggested that Oswestry derives its name from the fact that Oswald, King of Northumbria, planted his staff in the town before fighting Penda of Mercia.
Oswald was killed in battle by the Welsh chieftain Penda, and his body was dismembered and hund from the mile oak. Hence Oswalds tree or Oswestry.
The group investigated the town's natural history and in particular looked at the area's trees. Also researched was the historic location of Oswald's staff, as well as holding a series of events, recording other trees and highlighting the importance of urban green space.
A competition was run at the start of the project as a way of involving local children, as well as getting them to design the interpretative furniture for the site. The group produced a leaflet, postcards and on-site interpretation. Already produced is a video with the school children leading to the production of an education pack.
The project has shown that the people of Oswestry have a strong interest in the environment.
The Future
A number of themes arose from the project that could be developed further. It highlighted local traditions in relation to wells and trees. The Battle of Maserfield, in which King Oswald fell, does not have anything in place to commemorate it in the town, despite Oswald being second only to Thomas a Becket in importance in that era.
Group Name |
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Eastern Oswestry Community Group |
| Project Contact |
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Shaun Burkey
(Telephone - 01691 624448) |
| Address |
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Northern Shropshire Countryside Service |
| Project Postcode |
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SY12 0DQ |
| Finishing Date |
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31 March 2004 |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
| Local school children, North Shopshire Countryside Service, Rural Media Company, Oswestry Borough Council and Esmee Fairbairn Foundation |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £24,980
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