New Community Orchard at Green Lane Recreation Ground.
Earlier this year a group of us met with the council to discuss a site for a new community orchard. Of two sites - we have chosen one far removed from underground pipework - and offering some welcome shading to help conserve water - an important consideration for new trees in our changing climate. In the summer, we measured up the 180 square metre plot at Green Lane Recreation Ground..... and this week we joined forces with Lewis, from the Orchard Project to choose our design with plenty of mouth-watering varieties including: cherry, plum, pear and apple; as well as some to the more traditional fruits medlar, mulberry and greengage. Fringed by a border of white, red and blackcurrants and blackberries-how does that sound? The next event will be an orchard training day in November where we hone pruning an grafting skills before a final planting date a month later. Short video explanation of pollination and grafting Radio 4 Food programme on cide...