Kings Coronation Orchard brings Community Together

In December Nick Baker, Chair of the Laverstock & Ford Parish Council joined Cllr Estelle Williams and a host of local community groups to plant a variety of fruit trees that will provide a lasting legacy and continue to enhance the Water Meadows along Cow Lane, in Laverstock that DBCT are re-invigorating.

Nick Baker noted that “It was great to spend some time with the volunteers of the Devenish Bradshaw Trust and the Laverstock cubs and scouts who had come to help, and to be a part of creating something which will hopefully be an asset for our community for generations to come.

Working under the expert eye of Jon Alnutt we learned how to dig a hole the proper way, and how to prepare the ground for the new tree. This was not just a ceremonial tree planting where you come along and move a pile of earth someone else has dug for a photo opportunity! It struck me that what we were doing has something in common with what as a parish council we hope to do for the community.“

WI groups, local charities, schools and youth groups have all taken up the offer to plant a tree, and on a rare day of sunshine and blue skies, volunteers were also helping to lay the foundations for an accessible wheelchair path leading to the nature discovery area and pond dipping platform. Cllr Williams added that, “seeing a much-loved community open space becoming such a hive of activity was a positive reminder to me of how important these areas are for health and well-being. We are fortunate in the parish of Laverstock & Ford to work with several community-minded custodians of open spaces such as the DBCT who are helping to restore and encourage bio-diversity whilst providing space for residents and visitors to enjoy, explore and learn more about nature. This Coronation Orchard will not only enable children and adults to get involved in future working parties but also to enjoy shade, pick fruit and find time to sit and relax in the years to come.”