Nick Marks has prepared a splendid orchard plan for us.

Using a combination of apples, cherries and plums, plus the bonus of a pair of decorative mullberries, a quince and a medlar, the design begins with the earliest known apple, Malus Kirgishorun and proceeds via Mrs Phillimore to a set of locally connected and interesting historical varieties.

Four cherries are close to the road, where their blossom will be seen to advantage, and the planting scheme includes cider and perry apples.

A central path which leads to a bench has dwarf trees on either side and it divides the apples from the plums and cherries which are arranged on a different axis.

See the full zoomable PDF file

Provisional dates were set for our first working parties at a very successful planning meeting on 4 February. They are as follows:

• Sunday 16 March: site preparation
• Saturday 22 March: first planting day?
• Saturday 29 March: follow-up

We are hoping to have at least a dozen volunteers at these sessions when it should be possible to plant some trees- so please turn up if you can! Facilities should be available in the village hall. Further plantings of rare trees will be made of the rarer trees next winter.

A planting scheme has been prepared: these poles represent the likely future heights and placement of the trees. A plan will appear on this site soon.

A gate which will allow vehicles to access the site is also planned for Tagg Lane and grant applications are being invesitgated.

Full minutes of the meeting are here: 08-02-04_orchard.doc

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.