A new community orchard has been opened in the village of Peasedown St John, thanks to a partnership between a local charity and housing association Curo.
Chairman Gavin Heathcote with Cllr Sarah Bevan and Cllr Karen Walker
Located opposite the Hive Community Centre, more than thirty fruit trees were planted shortly before Christmas as part of the project by the Peasedown Community Trust.
The trees feature a variety of apple, plum and other species, as well as wild nuts which have been planted around the outside of the site.
The project also includes a seating area where residents can sit, relax and enjoy the community orchard.
Chairman of the Peasedown Community 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.
“Thanks to everyone, including volunteers from the primary school and village’s environment group, who came along to our action day to help plant the trees.
“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.”
Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) is a fellow Trustee and Chairwoman of B&NES Council’s Climate Emergency & Sustainability Panel.
She said: “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 in June.
“This new orchard is a wonderful space where children and their parents can visit, plus older members of the community can spend time in.”
