The Bridport Community Orchard is managed by Bridport Community Orchard Group and is an exciting self sustaining community project that demonstrates the benefits of community action and co-operation. It occupies two sites, one at St Mary’s Church Field off South Street (behind the church), the other being Jubilee Green at the top of Park Road in Allington.
The orchards are managed under the following guiding principles:
- Be a repository for rare and locally successful fruit tree varieties
- Be managed using organic principles
- Be an accessible community space
- Be a source of healthy, organic, fresh food
- Be central town “green corridors” that are havens for wildlife
- Be sites that provide opportunities to re-introduce native species of flora that are endemic to the local area and that in turn attract a diverse range of insects, birds and mammals
- Be engaging with the local community, enable the promotion of outdoor learning, work and play opportunities for all age groups and abilities.
The monthly Volunteer Working Group Sessions take place on the second Sunday morning of the month from 10.00am at the St Mary’s Church Field site. At Jubilee Green they take place four times a year on the last Sunday of months January, April, August and October, and start at 10 am. The latter two of these are variable depending upon the growing conditions that have occurred during the summer season. For latest up to date information, please visit our website.
Tasks that are carried out during the Working Group Sessions could include:
- Fruit Tree General Maintenance
- Hedgerow Maintenance
- Wild Flower Meadow Management including Scything
- Pond and Wildlife Area Management
- Tree maintenance and pruning
If you wish to join us at one of the Working Group Sessions you would be most welcome. Simply introduce yourself on arrival and one of the team will quickly get you involved.
Bridport Community Allotment is part of the adjacent Community Orchard and was set up to help and encourage people to grow their own food, especially those new to gardening.
The allotment is designed to accommodate all ages and abilities with wheelchair/buggy friendly paths and raised beds as well as traditional flat beds. It is run on organic principles and we encourage wildlife wherever possible. We are a friendly group meeting weekly from late March to October on Thursday afternoons 2-4pm (monthly during winter). There is no membership fee, just a small charge for refreshments which helps towards the purchase of seeds/composts/tools etc.
For further information, nature notes, news of upcoming events and dates of work parties, and much more, please visit our website at bridportcommunityorchard.org.uk