10 July 2023
Residents at FirstPort’s Stonegrove development in Edgeware, London, are invited to get involved in the planting of a community orchard, which will be located in the heart of the development – its community centre.
The initiative is the result of a grant from the Orchard Project, which will supply the Stonegrove Community Trust – an organisation focused on improving the lives of residents through the Community Centre at OneStonegrove – with a range of plants, trees, and herbs for residents to enjoy.
As part of the project, the Stonegrove Community Trust is looking for Orchard Leaders to help get involved in the orchard’s maintenance and activities.
The volunteer leaders will be invited to attend dedicated training on fruit tree technical skills, as well as guidance on how to lead a community orchard project.
The orchard will be designed around its urban environment, with plans for at least five fruit trees, edible perennials, wildflowers, herbs and other plants, as well as additional biodiversity features.
Poppy Fishman, Environmental Projects Coordinator at the Stonegrove Community Trust, said:
We will be running a community orchard survey and design day on Wednesday 19th July between 10.30-2pm.
“We will then put together a plan with the group for a planting day, orchard leader training and a community celebration.”
Gary Horton, who is a FirstPort Facilities Manager at the Stonegrove Development, has been assisting with the organising of the planting.
He explained:
“The Stonegrove Community Trust does a brilliant job of bringing our community together and the grant from the Orchard Project will be a fantastic opportunity to engage with residents to create an urban oasis for local wildlife. I look forward to working with residents on this project and celebrating its success.”
The Orchard Project helps design, plant, restore and maintain community orchards across the UK.
If you’d like to find out more or get involved in the project, please contact Poppy Fishman by email at: poppy@sct.london.
