Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) staff and volunteers and pupils from Bincombe Valley Primary School in Weymouth have planted a new Community Orchard at DWT’s Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, to mark the 40th anniversary of The Tree Council’s National Tree Week*.
DWT is one of the many community groups across the UK that made a successful application for a share of grants totalling more than £30,000, enabling individuals and groups to grow trees for fruit, and help their understanding of the value of nature, biodiversity and sustainable food.
DWT Community Conservation Officer, Sam Dallimore said, “With the help of 30 year 5 pupils from Bincombe School and our DWT Lorton volunteers, we have planted 54 trees. This includes apple trees, pear trees and 5 crab apple trees, to help aid pollination. We are really looking forward to tasting the first crop from the orchard in a few years, when visitors are more than welcome to come and have a taste themselves!”
The Tree Council’s Director-General, Pauline Buchanan Black, said “Thanks to the resources contributed by our donors and supporters, TheTree Councilis able to provide grants that will improve lives across the country as schools and community groups get digging. While millions of trees will be planted around Britain during the 40th anniversary of National Tree Week, it is important to remember that planting an orchard is a long-term commitment to producing fresh, sustainable, locally grown food, as well as providing a valuable habitat for wildlife such as bumblebees.”
Deputy Head of Bincombe Valley Primary School, Annette Cobb, said “The project that Dorset Wildlife Trust and our pupils are working on will bring children together in a fun outdoor activity that will benefit the entire community. By planting and tending these fruit trees together, we hope that pupils will develop a strong sense of the importance of trees and orchards to wildlife, biodiversity and people. We will be walking down to the orchard every now and then to check on our trees.”
Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre is holding a ‘Wild Lorton Day’ on Saturday 5th December, making Christmas Mini Wreaths with natural materials from 10am – 4pm. Take a walk around the reserve and enjoy a hot drink for a great family day out. Phone 01305 816546 or visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events for more information.
