Tributes have been paid to a Sustainable Keswick stalwart at a tree planting event in the town’s Fitz Park.
Around 30 volunteers gathered behind the BMX track to dig in 150 trees and all remembered Elizabeth Barraclough who had helped organise the gathering but had died a few days earlier.
During her 29 years in the town, Elizabeth had played a key role in many activities and projects organised by Sustainable Keswick and all those present at the tree planting stood in silence for a minute in her memory.
There are now moves to call the newly-planted area Elizabeth’s Woodland —which could also mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee — in her honour and to erect a simple stone cairn to remember her by.
The idea was to be mentioned by Cllr Sally Lansbury at a meeting of the Fitz Park, Hope Park and Townsfield Charitable Trust last night. The town council may also have a say in what the woods are eventually called.
Elizabeth had initially proposed the name Greta Woods.
Tributes were paid by Terry Sloan, chairman of Sustainable Keswick, Cllr Sally Lansbury, who in 2019 made a proposal to Fitz Park trustees to enable more tree planting and to further improve biodiversity in Keswick parks, and Reminder photographer Fred Wilson, who knew her well.
Mr Sloan said Elizabeth was one of the most active members of Sustainable Keswick. He paid tribute to her thoughtful comments and her wise guidance as well as her energy and drive.
“She will be sorely missed by Sustainable Keswick as well as many other organisations in the town with which she was associated,” he said.
“One person remarked that she could be described as Mrs Keswick since she was a leading member in each.”
There were so many volunteers at the tree planting event that all the saplings were dug in within 50 minutes.
Since 2019 Sustainable Keswick has partnered up with the Woodland Trust and Fitz Park Trust and with support from the Cumbria County Council’s environment fund have now planted 500 trees in the park. This is on top of a further 500 trees planted last month at the Springs Road Basin.
“One day I hope to work out the amount of carbon these 1,000 trees will capture over their lifetime,” said Cllr Lansbury. “But in addition, the woodland will provide valuable space for birds and wildlife to flourish and help to suck up excess water in this flood prone area.
“We now need to leave them and allow the trees to take hold.
“There will be strong survivors and there will be a few lost to the elements and to wildlife.
“It is intended that this is a wild area, with minimal maintenance, but we do hope to create some simple pathways and a clearing where people can have a space for contemplation and to enjoy nature.
“This will be a lovely wild space for the people of Keswick to enjoy.”
Species planted are all native to the area and include Elizabeth’s recommendations of goat willow, bird cherry, rowan, oak, silver birch, buckthorn, blackthorn, spindle and dogwood.
