Ashbourne Reborn partners are looking to trace individuals that took part in a tree planting ceremony in 1984 on the area off Compton now known as Shrovetide Walk. The Rowan tree on the raised area is in poor health and, along with a nearby ash tree suffering from Ash Dieback disease, are due to be removed during the main works for Ashbourne Reborn. A new tree in place of the Rowan is to be planted on the wider site and, following contact with the local Scouts and Guides groups, it is hoped to bring together those involved in planting the original trees 40 years on in a commemorative tree planting event.
A newspaper cutting from the Ashbourne News Telegraph dated March 15 1984 shows local cubs planting the Maple tree on the raised area as they work toward their World Conservation badges. The proposed tree planting towards the library side of the site will complement the six new trees planned for the Market Place as part of the wider Ashbourne Reborn programme.
The tree works are part of a wider plan to improve the site based on a scheme initiated by AshCom, which will see Shrovetide Walk developed into a welcoming space with an enhanced garden area, seating and artwork celebrating the annual Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football. Partners of Ashbourne Reborn would like to invite anyone involved in planting the original trees to attend the commemorative event which is anticipated to take place later this year. Anyone interested can email the programme
Throughout 2025, work will be carried out to deliver the much-anticipated Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme, which aims to bring back vibrancy, vitality and economic prosperity to Ashbourne town centre. The highways and public realm project, led by the County Council, will pave the way for a more pedestrian-friendly town centre, while The Link Centre project led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, will provide a range of new community services to residents, businesses and visitors across Ashbourne.
The £15.9m Ashbourne Reborn programme includes £13.4m UK Government funding, with the rest raised locally by project partners. The programme is led by Derbyshire Dales District Council working with Derbyshire County Council and Ashbourne Methodist Church as key delivery partners, in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom who brought forward project ideas, identified opportunities and raised match funding for the bid.
To receive email updates, sign up for the newsletter at the District Council website www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/enewsreg (tick the box for Ashbourne Reborn), or visit the Ashbourne Reborn website www.ashbournereborn.co.uk for the latest news, FAQs and detailed information about the project.
