Community Orchard

In a time and place where nature, biodiversity and the environment need our help more than ever, we, as a community, should do all we can to support, invest and commit to do, what we can, with what have...now.

Following the support and backing of the Parish Council, the Estate Management Group (EMG) and associated team of volunteers will start phase 1 planting of a community orchard in the Conservation Field, to the west of the allotments. This community orchard would re-purpose parish land that has historically not added any value to the village, requires grazing by cattle and is a 'lost' pocket of prime biodiversity land. Orchards are recognised as 'priority habitats' by Natural England, supporting up to 1,800 species. They also mature more quickly than other trees, providing food & shelter for wildlife, as well as other obvious benefits of carbon capture, reduced water run off and improved air quality.

The aspect of the land, approx. 2 acres, favours an orchard, both in orientation for sunshine hours, drainage and protection from the south westerly winds by the tree belt at the top of the field. The selected fruit trees would be planted in a natural layout, of local varieties where possible, and the recommendation is they are of dwarf to medium size stock for ease of pruning/harvest.

It is anticipated that a small orchard maintenance team would require access for pruning (annually) and grass cutting through the summer months. We would also propose that through the autumn, the access be open on set days, eg: each Saturday through late Sept and Oct, for apple harvesting by parishioners. At all other times the gates would remain locked as they are today, ie: the orchard would not be place for dog walkers or other general public access for most of the year.

We have applied for local and regional grants and other sponsorship for purchase of the trees, posts, guards etc. We are being advised by the supplier, Grow Fruit Trees in Kent, that have very close links with Brogdale (the living archive of fruit trees in the UK), also Leckford Fruit Farm. We would also look to monitor the increase in biodiversity as a result of the orchard, through observational records.

Phase 1 planting will start this winter and the scope will be 60 fruit trees of various types. Phase 2 will be planted next winter and include 40 apple trees of local, rare and heritage varieties that have been grafted this year from scions taken from Brogdale.

We are looking for 2 things, a committed, small volunteer group to help plant and maintain the trees. This maintenance would include watering in the spring and summer, planting, grass cutting, pruning and harvesting. The second thing is funding. Parishioners will be invited to 'Sponsor a tree', where you can select one or more of the trees from our supplier list and be forever linked to the growth and supply of fruit from that tree for generations to come. The cost to sponsor a tree is £50, and whilst you can harvest the fruit, it will still be a community asset for everyone to enjoy.

Please call by the EMG stand at the village fete at the end of August and ask questions, express interest in either volunteering and/or sponsoring a tree.

This will be our village asset for now and the future, so any and all support is greatly appreciated.

The EMG