A community orchard has been planted and opened in Meanwood by local volunteers.
Councillors Sharon Hamilton, Rebecca Charlwood, Alex Sobel and colleagues on the Inner East Area Committee have provided £1200 of funding for the establishment of the Meanwood Community Orchard, to be set up by local group Transition Meanwood.
A previously unused patch of Meanwood grassland is to be turned into a wonderful community garden and orchard. The area already benefits from popular green spaces, including a cricket ground, allotments, and Meanwood Woods. The Meanwood Valley Trail is close by, with a seven mile walk from Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre, which the Councillors were also heavily involved in re-launching last year.
All of the trees have been purchased by ward members, and were planted by volunteers from the local community. The Council’s Parks & Countryside Service also assisted in setting up the project and purchasing the new sign for the site.
Transition Meanwood is a community-led group helping to improve the local area by running green projects including home energy efficiency improvements and food growing schemes.
Councillor Hamilton is delighted to have been able to fund this project which will help to bring the community together and provide a source of healthy food for local people.
Councillor Sharon Hamilton (Chair of Inner North East Area Committee) said:
“Transition Meanwood have done a fantastic job creating a wonderful orchard for the local community. This not only will improve a previously unused piece of land but will also bring together the community, offer a healthy source of food and a habitat for local wildlife. Our thanks go to Transition Meanwood and Parks and Countryside to make this happen. We must also thank everyone for lending a helping hand to plant the orchard.”
