A Community Orchard for Lambourn

14 November 2020

A number of residents have been thinking about how the biodiversity and environment of Lambourn can be improved. Back in 2019, Gill Temple contacted the Lambourn Parish Council (LPC) with an idea:

a
Community Orchard for Lambourn

At the same time Penny Brewer and Ruth Andreski were considering how areas of Lambourn can be planted to encourage species variety which will attract bees and birds and had also spoken to LPC.

A community orchard is a collection of fruit trees shared by communities and growing in publicly accessible areas such as public greenspaces, parks, schools, churchyards, allotments Such orchards are a shared resource and not managed for personal or business profit. Community orchards enhance biodiversity, can be a teaching resource and generally enhance the appearance of grass areas with three-dimensional shape and, at times of the year, blossom and fruit. What community orchards have in common is that they are cared for by a community of people.

Like all good ideas it took a while to gather momentum however Ruth had made contact with Arthur Cullen of West Berks Council. She organised a meeting with the Lambourn Parish Clerk, Cllr Sue Cocker and Arthur who is Grounds Maintenance Team Leader from WBC and their very positive engagement this set the project going. Arthur has been really enthusiastic offering the use of West Berks owned land, and supplying the fruit trees as well as assistance with the preparation of the site. The young trees are a selection of different species, all Berkshire-grown which will provide a variety of fruits and interest throughout the year.

A number of potential sites in and around Lambourn owned by West Berks Council were assessed. Each had a number of positive points and some drawbacks. A favourite was alongside the old cricket field however this had to be deselected because the land is not owned by West Berkshire and is leased by Lambourn Parish Council from the landowner and has no water source. A site on the northern edge of the village near North Farm Close is currently the most likely location for the Lambourn Community Orchard. Residents living near the site have been consulted and have provided very constructive input to ensure the project works in harmony with the lives of the residents.

Gill and Penny have received an overwhelming positive support from the community not only with offers of assistance with planting but also with the long-term care of the trees. At a recent meeting of the Lambourn Parish Council Cllr Cocker presented the scheme to the councillors who stated that they are in support of the project at the proposed site. The current plan is to finalise the site agreements and then to plant the trees during the winter season which is the optimal planting time. Covid restrictions make it impossible for working parties to meet and Gill and Penny are hoping to be able to bring small groups of volunteers together once restrictions are eased.

“The trees we will plant are very young and it will take up to five years for them to bear the first fruit.” said Gill, “however one has to start sometime so that in the future we will have a peaceful and beautiful place as an asset for the residents of the village.”

Penny and Ruth are also continuing to identify areas of public land where, through sensitive planting, the biodiversity of Lambourn can be enhanced as an antidote to tarmac and building infill. “We are very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country,” said Penny, “and it is our responsibility to future generations to continually look for opportunities to preserve and enhance the biodiversity.”

The Lambourn Community Website will continue to report on the progress of this exciting community project. If you would like to contact Gill and Penny just email orchard@lambourn.org