The beginnings of a new community orchard were planted in Handforth this week.
Volunteers from Transition Wilmslow and the Friends of Meriton Road Park were joined by representatives from Cheshire East Council, local councillors and children from Wilmslow Grange Primary School to plant the first trees on Monday, 5th March.
The Year 3 pupils helped plant six apple trees, which were donated by Cheshire Orchard Trust. They were joined by Cheshire East Councillor Dennis Mahon and Handforth Parish Councillors, Jean Martin and Mike Thomson.
Rachel Corrigan, of Transition Wilmslow, said "We are delighted to be working with the Friends of Meriton Road Park to plant this orchard and look forward to developing the area into a special place for the community to come and enjoy in the future.
"It's been wonderful to see the excitement of kids here from Wilmslow Grange Primary school learning about the trees and what we are doing. Growing your own is so easy and yet we import apples from New Zealand which just seems daft, especially when transport costs and subsequent food costs are rising."
Transition Wilmslow planted their first orchard plot in Wilmslow in December last year when nine apple trees and a cherry tree were planted in Gravel Lane Park.
The group aims to look at practical ways that Wilmslow can become more sustainable and less reliant on oil, especially in the light of the challenges of peak oil and climate change.
They are holding a Community meeting on Saturday, 31st March, at 10am, at the Friends Meeting House in Wilmslow, where they are inviting the public to come and provide their views on the positive changes they would like to see in Wilmslow. The meeting which runs from 10am to noon will be followed by a simple lunch provided by the Quakers.
If you'd like more details or would like to get involved contact [email protected] or visit the Transition Wilmslow website at www.transitionwilmslow.co.uk.
