Thanks to the generosity of Richard Butler, Branch Manager at Travis Perkins, Playhatch we were able to re-instate access from Tagg Lane to the orchard last weekend. Travis Perkins donated two drainage pipes and have promised some fencing, so now we will be able to get a bowser into the orchard to prevent any more trees from dying. Volunteers will be needed to maintain the watering rota.

Tree sponsorship is proving a big success - a big thank you to all that have supported us so far - and we are also inviting people to become members of the orchard. Just download the form available here.

Most of the trees are thriving, some more trees have been planted, and a final batch is due in the autumn. We will soon be posting a new map of the orchard which will show which trees have already been sponsored. 

Our tree sponsorship scheme is proving very successful. Some 15 trees have been sponsored and commemorative labels will be attached in the next few weeks. The special certificates provided with each tree adoption are also proving very popular. If you want to sponsor a tree the time is now, before the variety you want is taken!

A working party may well be arranged for later this month - more details in a future story.

Would you like to adopt a tree at Dunsden Community Orchard? For a very modest one-off payment of £45 we will place your name, or the name of a loved one, on the tree of your choice. An orchard plan is available here. You will receive an attractive certificate to commemorate your donation which will tell the story of the historic apple tree variety you have chosen. You will also be able to visit the tree whenever you wish. The orchard's harvest is shared between orchard members.

You may also be interested in our membership scheme. For just £5 a year or £10 per family you can support our exciting new project, receive regular news from the orchard including special invitations to our apple day and other orchard-themed events. A chance for you and your family to make new friends locally and to become involved in the long tradition of Oxfordshire fruit-growing, right on your doorstep.

A leaflet will shortly be launched to publicise the scheme, but in the meanwhile further details are available from David Wodward

A working party at the orchard is also currently being planned. More details in a future bulletin.

After several working parties in chilly conditions it is very encouraging to be able to report that almost every tree has survived and is now in leaf - and some have even been flowering. The grass has also been growing rapidly in the recent warm weather. At last night's planning group (minutes) further work was scheduled including drainage in Tagg Lane. Full details from working party co-ordinator timcoul[at]live.co.uk who will be happy to hear from potential volunteers.

We will also shortly be launching our membership scheme and a chance to adopt-a-tree - a great way for you and your family to learn about a traditional local fruit tree variety for a very modest donation.

We are also seeking grants to fund further tree planting, hedging and the creation of a living willow arch.

The community orchard hopes to be at the Binfield Heath Flower Show on Saturday 23 August and at the Henley Show Ploughing Match in Dunsden on 5 October so we look forward to seeing you then.

What do you think? We welcome your comments on our orchard project.

Saturday 19 April is the proposed date for our next working party. (To be confirmed shortly on this site). Because of recent heavy weather, there are still many trees to plant, so a fun day is promised. The remaining trees have been heeled in on site until then. Come one, come all, from 10am, with refreshments and other facilities available in the vilage hall.

At a recent committee meeting in the Shoulder of Mutton some decisions were taken about tree sponsorship and membership schemes, which it is hoped will be launched in the Autumn. More news later.

We acknowledge with thanks the donation of tree sleeves by Tim Lowden, Manager of Playhatch Garden Centre