Congleton artist launches merchandise to save 'Cheshire East's Amazon rainforest'
An artist who honed her craft in Congleton has teamed up with a business to sell shirts opposing a controversial housing development.
Becca Smith (41), who was raised in our town, has made merchandise to try and stop homes being build on what campaigners describe as 'Cheshire East's Amazon rainforest'.
The Danes Moss Reserve is threatened by plans to build almost 1000 houses on the fringes of its 33 acres of walking trails and wildlife habitats.
The South Macclesfield site, which stretches out to Gawsworth, is about eight miles from Congleton town centre. But building on it could affect the biodiversity and air quality for everyone.
The full-time artist and mum-of-one is selling tees and tote bags for the 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign, to bring public attention to the plans.
The designs include a tote bag called 'FOR PEATS SAKE', highlighting the hundreds of thousands of peat stored in the site, which is a natural carbon sink.
Another features three protected species threatened by the Cheshire East Council development, such as the Willow Tit, Common Toad and a dragonfly.
Becca believes these t-shirts and tote bags will help to raise awareness for the issue and become an iconic souvenir in the future - if victorious.
"Hopefully when we win, it will be something you'll keep for the rest of your life and show to your grandkids, and have it as an iconic thing," said Becca.
"The money from the sales of the t-shirts goes straight back into me buying more t-shirts and inks for these.
"The tote bags use sustainable textiles, and people have been bringing me their old shirts to print on also.
"People have responded to it very well."
The former Dane Valley High pupil, (now Eaton Bank Academy), grew up in the Buglawton Council Estate, and lived in Congleton for over three decades.
She has teamed up with Macclesfield's zero waste co-operative and plastic free shop Scoop and Scales to sell the products.
Scoop and Scales founder Matthew Todd believes that this collaboration with Becca can help to make a difference with the challenges facing Danes Moss.
"She's one of our close friends so we were really pleased to hear that she was making stuff to do with 'SAVE DANES MOSS' as well," he said.
"We were set up with the goal to be an environmental organisation that happens to have a shop. The shop is a means to an end.
"We're making a difference to how people buy stuff and what they buy, but for us it's about sharing the wider stuff that's going on in the town. The wider green groups, the wider campaigns,
"So when something comes along like this, it's the perfect thing for us really."
Becca values print making's rich history of causing change, and thinks that it can help to fight for the future of Danes Moss.
The former South Cheshire pupil has also worked on the Buglawton bridge project.
"Print making has got a long history of social activism, going back to Hogarth," she explained.
"Print makers and print shops in the Russian revolution, they were the first to start producing stuff.
"But I've been aware about what's happening at Danes Moss for years. Last September, my mate asked if I wanted to go to a protest nearby.
"But because I couldn't go to the protests, I started making prints at home. That was my way of doing it."
"It's more about the fight, the actual campaign, than the t-shirts and bags themselves. It will be something to be proud of."
Becca only put her work in the shop last week, but has already had to restock it twice.
Customers who didn't know about the development are now finding out about it thanks to the new store.
Cheshire East Council are set to gain £18 million from the site, but it could come at the expense of losing of what campaigners call 'Macclesfield's Amazon Rainforest'.
If you would like to support this project, t-shirts are £10 and tote bags are £10. They can be found in Scoop and Scales in the Macclesfield's Heritage Centre.
Tom Eccles, who is co-running the 'SAVE DANES MOSS' petition, campaign and Facebook group had this to say on the new products.
"Sometimes art is the best way to say something. These beautiful designs have been inspired by our last true wilderness in Macclesfield. We are lucky to have such a talented artist in Becca Smith and we're hugely grateful."
17,300 people have signed the petition against the development as of publication.
Notable opposers include Congleton Climate Action Group and TV celebrity Chris Packham. A decision is set to be made by councillors later this year.
When contacted for comment about the t-shirts Cheshire East Council - who partially own the site and will decide its fate - had the following to state.
"We do not comment on a live planning application," a spokesperson said.
"We have nothing further to add to our and we don't comment once an application once it is submitted for a decision."
Congleton Climate Action Group said the following on why Congleton residents should be interested in the fight to save the green space in Macclesfield.
"We are proud to take part in the Save Danes Moss demonstrations, to show Cheshire East Council that we object to its plans to destroy this precious peatland and wildlife habitat," they said.
Congleton: You can learn more about 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign on our sister site Macclesfield Nub News.
Please click here and here for more information.
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