COMMUNITY ORCHARD
Four apple trees have been planted at The Brambles, hopefully the first of many productive community trees in and around Lostwithiel. Read more about the tree planting at The Brambles.
January 2011
We did some pruning of the trees in January 2011. They all looked healthy, but some had sprouted growth from the root stock rather than the grafted branch, which needed to be removed.
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Background
Transition Lostwithiel held an event called Nuts About Fruit in January 2009 which sparked considerable interest in a Community Orchard. An area in The Brambles was identified as a possible site, residents and the site owners have been consulted. We hope it will be the first of many community fruit trees planted around Lostwithiel!
This information was delivered to residents of The Brambles and Lostwithiel School in September 2009. Download the original leaflet.
Read Andrew Ormerod's background to the Community Orchard project
What is a Community Orchard?
It's a collection of fruit trees in a public space for the benefit of all in the community. It's great for wildlife and can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, particularly t blossom and harvest time. It helps reconnect people with local and seasonal food production, as well as with part of Cornwall's heritage. In the past there were orchards all over Lostwithiel, including Bodmin Hill, of which only a few ancient
trees now remain.
Where will the orchard be?
When The Brambles was developed, the grassed area adjacent to No.5 was required to be left empty as a community space. This has been maintained voluntarily by a number of residents of The Brambles. Gilda Davies at No.5 is willing to co-ordinate a community orchard project on the site.
Who owns the land?
The developers, Eden Homes (SW) Limited, own the site and will be approached about the idea if it is supported. The Brambles is a fully developed site and the empty plot must remain undeveloped.
How many trees and what type?
The initial proposal is for 4 trees as marked on the map. The varieties can be decided by residents, depending on what is suitable for the site. Andrew Ormerod, an orchard expert at Eden, will advise and help residents to choose.
Who will pay?
Varieties which can be grown as pitchers or grafted will cost very little, and will be paid for by Transition Lostwithiel. If other varieties are prefered we may approach local nurseries for donations. Ongoing costs will be met by Transition Lostwithiel.
What size will they be when full grown?
That depends on the varieties chosen. Maximum height for the tallest variety would be two thirds of a lamppost. The trees will be planted 8m apart for optimum growth.
Who will look after them?
A number of people at Nuts About Fruit expressed interest in a community orchard. Volunteers will be co-ordinated by Gilda at No.5. After the initial planting, the ongoing task will be to mulch around the trees every 1-2 years.
Who can pick the fruit?
Anyone – although trees should be allowed to develop properly before fruit is picked, then there will be plenty for everyone.