Ashdene pupils plant first trees in orchard

Work started on creating a community orchard in Wilmslow this morning.

Volunteers from Transition Wilmslow and Incredible Edible were joined by representatives from Cheshire East Council, local councillors and children from Ashdene Primary School to plant the first trees.

The Year 3 pupils helped plant nine apple trees, donated by Cheshire Orchard Trust, and a cherry tree from Newgate Allotments in Gravel Lane Park. They were joined by Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald and Ruth McNulty, Vice-Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council.

Rachel Corrigan, of Transition Wilmslow, said "Transition Wilmslow is really looking at the sustainability of Wilmslow and doing things for ourselves without using oil.

"This orchard is one step towards making Wilmslow sustainable food wise. It is also about getting the community involved. It is wonderful to see people out today planting the trees.

"Next year, providing all is safe and well, we're going to be planting some more and the long-term plan is to have community allotments. There are many local schools around here who can get involved, it will be wonderful."

Garry Olson, also of Transition Wilmslow, added "We see this small orchard as a trial. We'll see how it survives and the reaction of local people, which is important as we are taking up some recreation space.

"We are very conscious that the park needs to double up as a recreational area and we don't want to stop that, but hopefully the children will understand the trees are worth looking after and that they are theirs.

"We also see the orchard as an educational resource as we are trying to encourage people to go home and grow their own."

If you'd like more details or would like to get involved contact [email protected] or visit the Transition Wilmslow website. For details about Incredible Edible visit their website.

Tags:
Ashdene Primary, Community Orchard, Incredible Edible, Transition Wilmslow
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