A new orchard providing fruit growing and educational opportunities for the community and schools.
We aim to enhance a derelict open space, foster community spirit and create interest in local food growing and care for the environment, and to provide educational opportunities for local schools
Why the community needs usEstablished in 2009, the orchard provides fruit growing opportunities for the local community in an area where there are few gardens and little public open space. It encourages cooperation between different sections of the community, and builds up an interest in local food growing and care for the environment through events and activities. As well as enhancing a formerly derelict site, it provides educational opportunities for local schools.
Our impact on the communityThe orchard serves local households, and has a contact list of 300. 60+ fruit trees have been planted: apples, plums and pears, as well as almond, cherry, quince, fig and apricot. We run grafting and pruning courses for adults and schools - many of our trees have been grafted by our members. We hold an annual Apple Day plus activities for families. A pleasant seating area has been created, where school groups can work and residents can sit.
We welcome volunteers with gardening experience to help cultivate the orchard. We are particularly keen to develop work with local schools, so familiarity with curriculum development would be useful
