'Think apple pies, cider, apple juice, plum puddings, perry, damson fool, benches to enjoy the spring blossom from' think local honey, small pond full of dragon flies' think Kirk Langley school children celebrating and harvesting natures bounty'' In response to a note posted through letter boxes in Kirk Langley, thirty interested people attended an initial meeting in mid January 2009, and more telephoned to express support for the idea of a Community Orchard in Kirk Langley. Soon after that a meeting was held 'on site', in the Lodge Farm field closest to Kirk Langley village, just off Flagshaw Lane. Again, attendance was very encouraging, and a committee was formed and much support offered. It is hoped that the orchard will have many types of fruit and nut trees, including new and old varieties, and be surrounded by a fruitful hedgerow. There will be a pond, an open area and some seating. It will be a tranquil place for relaxing, playing and socialising. It will support wildlife in a variety of habitats and it will be a place for children to learn about the natural world and to enjoy being outdoors. It will offer opportunities for people to work together to establish and maintain it and harvest its produce, and it will be linked to the organic farm on which it stands. It will be accessible on foot, being close to the village centre and the primary school. Progress: - An outer fence has been put up by a working party of volunteers, and existing stiles have been repaired to improve access.
- A plan for the layout of the orchard has been drawn up.
- A hedge has been planted within the outer fence, and the hedge plants are doing well.
- The first trees were bought by Meynell Langley Gardens, and were planted and staked at the launch event.
- The Lord Lieutenant for Derbyshire, Mr John Bather, attended the Launch, which was a great success.
- A bank account has been opened and many kind donations received.
- An inner fence and tree guards have been completed, meaning that sheep can graze the orchard grass without nibbling trees!
- The Community Orchard has already been the venue for some sociable occasions - barbecues, planting days and the National Big Lunch day picnic.
Ongoing: Further fundraising is needed, including grant applications, for wildlife pond, seating, more trees and bushes and improved access. Next: Community Orchard Quiz and Chips Evening Saturday 13th March, 7pm for 7.30 start Leeke Hall Kirk Langley tickets £10 to include fish and chip supper, available from John Beswarick, Richard Benfield, Steve Smith and Godfrey Meynell, phone numbers on posters in village, or email enquiry via this website Community Orchard Work Day 27th March 2010 planting the last stretch of hedge and perhaps some fruit bushes (depending on how much money the quiz raises!) please come and help, bring a spade! National Big Lunch Day 2010 18th July, keep the date free for a community lunch event, details nearer the time!
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