Volunteers from Transition Wilmslow and The Friends of Meriton Park teamed up on Monday, 26th November, to plant more fruit trees in the orchard area of Meriton Park in Handforth.
Despite the wet conditions, in heavy rain and with mud underfoot, a variety of fruit trees were successfully planted, including apples, plums and a damson, more than doubling the size of the orchard, which was started last year.
The trees were supplied by members of Transition Wilmslow and The Friends of Meriton Park, and from donations by local businesses.
A spokesperson for ‘The Friends’ said, “The orchard in Meriton is an ongoing project to add interest and diversity to this important amenity for Handorth. We want the people of Handforth to have the chance to collect a variety of fruits growing locally, and for free. We have our fingers crossed for some summer sunshine to give us some wonderful ripe fruits for many years to come."
Chair of Transition Wilmslow, Rachel Corrigan, said, “I want to thank all the volunteers who turned up today, and also the local businesses who so generously supported this initiative. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, despite the dreadful weather, including my young son who lost his wellington boot in the mud!”
Transition Wilmslow are planning more growing activities, with a team from its Food Group, building some raised beds in Gravel Lane Park in Wilmslow on Saturday 1st December, starting around 9am. The beds are being built now, and, in Spring, will be planted up with an assortment of ‘help yourself’ vegetables. People are invited to come along and take part if they wish.
Speaking for the Food Group of Transition Wilmslow, Garry Olson said, “We are looking forward to adding to the amenities in our public places. We hope local people can spare an hour or so, and get stuck in with their shovels."
