Over two inspiring days, our community came together to plant out what will become the Woodoaks Community Orchard. A hugely satisfying and major step in our Black Barn Project.
With 30 fruit trees, an edible hedge of mixed berries, hazel and 4 vegetable beds, this orchard will grow into a shared place of food, learning, nature and wellbeing, nourishing both people and wildlife for decades to come.
It felt right that Sally Findlay (who generously donated the farm to the Soil Association Land Trust), should put the first tree in the ground. She chose an apricot which (along with a couple of fig trees) is a nod to the changing climate and hotter summer’s that we are experiencing.
A HUGE thanks to over 100 volunteers, community groups, and tree sponsors who helped make this milestone possible, alongside support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Next Steps? Fencing the orchard to protect the young saplings whilst they establish and planting of the vegetable beds!
We can’t wait for Spring to awaken the trees from their dormant period. It’s exciting to think of the promise that they hold, but we need to be patient as we can’t expect a harvest of fruit until 2030 at least!
