Madeley Tree Trail

The landscape of modern Madeley has been greatly shaped by the mining and iron making industries. By the 15th and 16th centuries rich deposits of iron ore and limestone were found in the area. This led to the cutting down of most of the original forest.

Legacy of the Depression

The rich variety of trees in the area are the result of a number of factors. Some of the more exotic species are survivors from the extensive gardens of ironmasters and mine owners. Others are the result of natural recolonisation of old mine waste heaps. The large number of Scots Pines on the waste heaps are the legacy of the depression. Unemployed men were paid a few shillings a day to plant tree seedlings on the pit banks. It stabilised them and provided timber for the mining industry.

Despite the huge changes that took place in Madeley during the 1960's many old trees survive. Many more were planted as part of landscaping schemes.

The Tree Wardens

This Tree Trail has been devised by Madeley Parish Tree Warden Glenys Evans and Rachel Mullard. They were helped by Gareth Wilson, and funded by Madeley Parish Council.

Contact the Tree Warden at Madeley Parish Council, Jubilee House, 74 High Street, Madeley, Telford TF7 5AH.

The Tree Council launched the Tree Warden Scheme in 1990. A nation-wide network of locally-based volunteer tree enthusiasts has been developed. There are now more than 7,500 Tree Wardens in 115 networks covering a large part of the UK. Tree Wardens carry out practical tree conservation tasks, co-ordinated by local authorities and backed by appropriate training, literature and advice.

Visit the Tree Council website by selecting one of two options below.