Milfields Orchard

Claptonite writes:

If you take a walk on south Millfields between the electricity substation and the river you'll see lots of new fruit trees planted by children from local schools this week. The kids had fun, and this Saturday is your chance to join in too! We'll be completing the Millfields orchard with a community planting of the final batch of trees. No experience or tools needed - there will be plenty of friendly regular local tree volunteers to work with, and tools supplied. Just bring your enthusiasm, shoes you don't mind getting muddy, gloves if it's chilly, maybe a thermos of something. If you don't fancy digging, come & encourage the diggers, or just to see what's going on and have a chat. Find out how we will be looking after the trees as they grow, see what fruit we'll be getting in a few years. 

It all happens on Saturday (tomorrow) between 10.00 am and 2 pm. There's free soup at lunchtime. Contact: Emma Jack on 07814 027128 or Tim Evans 8986 3456 for more details.

Comments

[Tim Evans]

The community planting happened on on Valentine's Day. Thanks to all that volunteer digging (and chatting and picnicking), there are now 50 young fruit trees on south Millfields between the substation and the water.

But we can't just shove 'em in and leave 'em! They'll need watering, weeding, and other looking after. So there will be a

Love The Valentine's Orchard Afternoon

on Easter Sunday, 12 April, where we will start learning how to be responsible orchard owners. The more the merrier - and it'll be a great way to occupy kids.

Meantime, the trees need lots of water right now in March while they struggle to simultaneously build up their roots and put out leaves. We've set up a system which makes it easy for anyone passing by to spend a few minutes watering from the cut. We need to build up a casual tree care posse and I'm really happy to show anyone how it works - just contact me (mug[at]timevans.org.uk).

To stay in touch with Millfields User Group, email
millfields-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk.

Orchard care afternoon: Easter Sunday, 12 April, 2.00 at the rangers' room (portakabins next to the tennis courts), moving to the park later.