Plans have been unveiled in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath for the creation of a brand-new community orchard.
Cllr Karen Walker and Gavin Heathcote at the site of Peasedown’s new Community Orchard
The project, which is being led by the Peasedown Community Trust in partnership with Curo, will see almost thirty fruit trees being planted in the centre of the village.
Chairman of the Trust, Gavin Heathcote, said: “Trees are one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife.
“Over the next 12 months, the Trust will be continuing our campaign to raise awareness of the environment and the need to look after it.”
The trees will feature a variety of apple, plum and other species, and wild nuts will be planted around the outside of the site.
The project will also include a seating area where residents can sit, relax and enjoy the community orchard.
The Trust has said it will be adding to the number of trees planted over the next year.
Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) is a fellow Trustee and Chairwoman of B&NES Council’s Climate Emergency & Sustainability Panel.
She added: “A lot of our campaign work in Peasedown over the last year has been focussed on creating a greener community.
“We’ve either planted or earmarked sites to plant 200 trees locally, plus we’re on target to plant 500 trees in Peasedown in time for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next June.
“This new orchard will be a wonderful space where children and their parents can visit, plus older members of the community can spend time in.”
The new Peasedown Community Orchard will be created on the open space of land opposite The Hive Community Centre.
Volunteers are needed in November to help plant and create the orchard. Any residents who can spare some time should email [email protected].
