How to grow a community orchard: 'The real value is the connection to others and to nature'

Small, traditional orchards are making a comeback, providing havens for wildlife and bringing communities together. Our writer picked up his rake and joined inBack in spring, I moved with my family to the village of Overton in Hampshire. It happened that our arrival coincided with a May Day celebration in the village orchard. It was the ideal initiation: the sun shone, introductions with new neighbours were dusted with apple blossom, and our toddler joined others on an organised bug hunt, spotting insects hidden in the trees. Like many community orchards, Overton's is situated on the edge of the village on council-managed land, an open patch bordering a housing estate. It was conceived in 2012 by members of Overton Biodiversity Society to promote seasonal, local food and provide an inviting space for people and wildlife. There was a consultation with neighbours, terms of maintenance were agreed with the council, and across two planting sessions 20 fruit trees were planted, staked and mulched by more than 50 volunteers. Continue reading...