CONKSBURY COMMUNITY ORCHARD
The Conksbury Community Orchard is a community asset for the benefit of the village on land owned by the Youlgrave Community Land Trust. Importantly we hope that, as it grows, it will provide a pleasant aspect and environment for the residents of Hannah Bowman Way. The 29 trees were financed by the generosity of several people in the village and a grant from the Lottery. The trees are labelled with the variety of fruit and often a personal dedication too. Volunteers maintain the orchard during working parties which are held when necessary during the year. The orchard is managed by YCLT under an agreement with the Peak District National Park. The grass is regularly cut by Haddon Landscapes and part of the orchard is being developed as a traditional wild flower meadow. This of course will take some years to achieve. Also Youlgrave School has built a bug hotel at the Conksbury Lane end of the site.
This year we are hoping for a first reasonable crop of apples. They are of several varieties and will be ripe during September and October. The other trees, which include pears, damsons, gages and cherries, have not yet produced fruit. We hope there will be enough to enable us to make them available in the village shop in return for a donation which we will give to a local voluntary organisation.
We are always keen to welcome new volunteers. If you would like to join us please wear strong footwear and gardening gloves. If possible bring gardening forks or spades and wheelbarrows are always useful. We will be tackling the invasion of docks, which has occurred over the summer, and tidying up the areas around the trees in preparation for winter. Most recently we have been pruning the trees in preparation for new growth this Spring. Come along to talk to us and find out about the orchard.
Watch this space to find out when the next working party will be held.
This year we are hoping for a first reasonable crop of apples. They are of several varieties and will be ripe during September and October. The other trees, which include pears, damsons, gages and cherries, have not yet produced fruit. We hope there will be enough to enable us to make them available in the village shop in return for a donation which we will give to a local voluntary organisation.
We are always keen to welcome new volunteers. If you would like to join us please wear strong footwear and gardening gloves. If possible bring gardening forks or spades and wheelbarrows are always useful. We will be tackling the invasion of docks, which has occurred over the summer, and tidying up the areas around the trees in preparation for winter. Most recently we have been pruning the trees in preparation for new growth this Spring. Come along to talk to us and find out about the orchard.
Watch this space to find out when the next working party will be held.
