FIELDS WE PROTECT

Birch Gardens are north-west of Leek town centre, surrounded by residential areas. The 0.43 hectare space was given in 1935 for informal recreation, to sit and relax, or stroll and admire the variety and beauty of the specimen trees, shrub, herbaceous planting and flower beds. It is laid out as four symmetrical grassed areas which contain flower beds, with pathways throughout, and still with a wide variety of trees and shrubs. The site is near to the Haregate part of Leek, and also to an area of Victorian silk mills and housing: many men and women from this part of town served their country in World War I. Birch Gardens is protected in memory of those who fought in the Great War, where they can be remembered and respected.