Sometime champion ploughman Phil Dyer made light work of digging out 50 holes for tree planting at our first working party this weekend. Using a 24" tractor-powered augur he saved hours of toil, cutting through the heavy soil in no time. A group of enthusiastic volunteers backed him up by barrowing in manure and fixing gate posts.

We need even more helpers next weekend (15 March from 10am). 45 trees are arriving and they must be carefully planted. We hope as many people as possible will join us: no experience required, just turn up for an hour or so, anytime on the day.

Putting down roots

Tomorrow, Saturday 8 March is the first of several planned working parties and you are most welcome to join us. Help bring this exciting new project into being!

We have 45 trees on order and expected for the following Saturday so we must prepare the ground for them. Phillimore Farms are kindly donating something to make the ground more suitable for them and Phil Dyer and his mini-tractor-powered augur will kindly be making holes for us. Tim Coulson will be leading the workers.

You will be most welcome to join in, even for only an hour or two, either tomorrow or next Saturday! Refreshments will be available. For information on the day, please call David Woodward on 07802 433058. Wear suitable clothes and footwear.

Adopt-a-tree?

At this week's meeting in the Shoulder of Mutton we discussed a scheme to allow local people to adopt a tree - a great way to commemorate a loved one, or to involve the whole family in learning about traditional fruit-tree growing. Would you be interested? More details later.

Going for a constitutional

We now have a draft constitution, which we hope to adopt shortly. You can also read the minutes of a recent meeting here.

Please forward these details to anyone you think might be interested: see you on the day! 

Big progress is expected at our next meeting on Monday February 4th at 8pm in the village hall. Topics so far suggested include:

• schedule for development of the orchard
• funding and grant applications
• responsibilities
• planting plan
• access
• equipment storage
  

But please come along with your own suggestions. Make a note of the date: 4/2/08!

You may also be interested in a half-day practical fruit tree pruning course aimed at those with trees at home.

It is at Cross Lanes Farm in Mapledurham on Saturday January 26, Tuesday Feb 5 and Saturday Feb 9. Bookings on 0118 972 3167.

Pictured are just some of those that enjoyed the official launch of Dunsden community orchard on Sunday 25 November. With assistance from young and old, Lord Phillimore officially planted our first tree, a Blenheim Orange, kindly donated by Dr Barrie Juniper.

The Blenheim Orange is just one of many locally connected apples and cherries we hope to plant in the orchard once the site is accessible. The variety was discovered in 1740 by a cobbler living in Woodstock. He moved it to his garden and 'thousands thronged to gaze on its ruddy ripening burden; then gardeners came in spring-time to select the much coverted scions'. It was subsequently supported by the Duke of Malborough until it became one of the most popular 19th century apples. According to The new book of apples the wood was so strong that it was used to make railway cog wheels.

The launch of the community orchard was celebrated afterwards with mulled cider and mince pies in the village hall. A number of people indicated that they wanted to be part of the planning team and they will be meeting early in January. Decisions to be taken will include: where and how to create entrances to the orchard (living willow arches have been suggested); grant applications; soil quality and preparation; constitution; planting schemes/sponsorship and timings. All supporters will be welcome at the meetings. There are more photos of the launch in the album

It's  not too late for you to become involved! Just register your email address on this site or contact David Woodward or any member of Eye & Dunsden Parish Council.

A reminder of our event at 11.30 this Sunday. A Blenheim Orange will be planted on the village green to mark the start of the orchard. There will be mulled cider and mince pies in the hall afterwards, with a progress update and news of a chance to join the planning group. Please pass on to anyone that might like to get involved in creating the orchard.