Leeds residents are showing their support for six community orchard plantings taking place this Winter in and around the city, part of the Helping Britain Blossom project, a partnership between HEINEKEN, the Urban Orchard Project and the Bulmer Foundation, which is planting and restoring 100 community orchards across Britain by 2017.
Residents are learning new skills whilst doing a healthy outdoor activity, and meeting new people in the process. The Leeds community orchards are being supported by Helping Britain Blossom, which is providing the expertise, training and fruit trees to kick start the projects and ongoing assistance to help ensure the orchards are sustainable in the long-term.
Helping Britain Blossom had identified Leeds as a city with thriving community groups looking to make the most of their local environments and earmarked sites in and around Leeds to create sustainable orchards for local communities. A 40 tree Orchard has already been planted at Beck Meadows in Barwick in Elmet, a 29 tree orchard at Dartmouth Park in Morley and 50 trees of a planned 100 tree orchard has been planted on the Cottingley Hall estate, possibly the longest community orchard in the UK.
Other plantings include a 27 tree orchard planting at West Park Fields with the Friends of West Park Fields, a 19 tree orchard planting on the Killingbeck estate, an 11 tree planting in the church garden of St Luke’s in Swarcliffe and a 30 fruit tree planting session in Farsley.
Alan Thornton, Helping Britain Blossom project manager said: “It’s wonderful so many Leeds residents have been inspired by the prospect of having their own community orchards. As well as enhancing their local environments, the orchards are a great way for people to meet one another and do something healthy and active while learning news skills. They are a catalyst for change in communities and a focus for year round events, such as pruning, plantings, workshops, fruit harvesting days or wassails.
“Although different sizes and locations, the orchards are all accessible for members of the public to enjoy. So if you want to get involved with one of the community orchards do get in touch. You’ll find a friendly bunch of people interested in putting some of the city’s underused spaces to good use and have fun in the process.”
To find out more about the Leeds community orchards, contact Leeds Helping Britain Blossom project manager, Alan Thornton on 07730 216943 or alan@theurbanorchardproject.org or visit the Helping Britain Blossom facebook page at www.facebook.com/HelpingBritainBlossom.
To find out more about Helping Britain Blossom visit the website:
www.helpingbritainblossom.org.uk
