New community orchard takes shape in Thatcham

Cherries, plums, apples and pears, including traditional Berkshire varieties, will soon be arriving in a new community orchard to be planted at the Nature Discovery Centre in Lower Way, Thatcham.

On Monday 9 September, orchard expert Andy Howard will be giving a talk about orchards; planning, wildlife value and local fruit varieties. The free talk, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is open to everyone and is a chance for people to find out more about the community orchard and how to get involved. It starts at 7pm at the Nature Discovery Centre.

Ed Sweetman, community engagement officer with the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s Linking the Landscape project says “The idea of a community orchard came from Thatcham Town Council in 2010, and now we’re getting ready to plant the trees this winter. Local community groups will be planting 21 fruit trees including local varieties such as Miller’s Seedling, an apple that originated in a Newbury orchard, and Winston that comes from Welford.”.

“This is a great opportunity for people to get involved with planting, pruning and family activities such as a blossom picnic in spring, harvest festival in autumn and wassailing ceremony in winter to celebrate our native fruit heritage.”

“Planting the community orchard on land beyond the car park at the Nature Discovery Centre is ideal, because it is close to where people live, and provides a habitat link between the gardens and hedgerows of houses in Lower Way with the wilder habitats at the lakes,” explained Ed.

The first event planned, even before the orchard is planted, is Thatcham’s Apple Day on Sunday 20 October.