Achi news desk-
The grant, from Broadacres housing association’s sustainability fund, has paid for new compost bays which are now helping to nurture Reeth Community Orchard – including its wildflower meadow, perennial border and apple orchard of 26 different varieties .
A haven for bees, butterflies and other insects, the garden is open all year round and is looked after by a team of eight enthusiastic volunteers.
Chairman of the Committee, Chris Browne, was part of the team that first undertook the task 20 years ago of creating the walled garden on the grounds of Hudson House, the former Barclays Bank, reclaiming it from an overgrown and neglected state. care
He said that sustainability is key in terms of generating sufficient income from the sale of plants, seeds and produce, to cover costs and in terms of maintaining the beds by recycling plant materials. The Garden is also a hub for the local community who gather every autumn to make juice from the apple crop and sometimes cider.
“The old compost bays had been used for many years and the panels had rotted and needed to be replaced. This grant enabled us to do that, and the new bays are now in full use,” said Chris.
One bay is used for leaves while the other two bays allow a two-year breakdown of other compostable materials which then go back into the garden.
“Reeth is a very popular town which is on the coast to coast and can therefore get very busy,” said Chris.
“The orchard garden allows all ages to enjoy some tranquility whether that be small children playing safely on the lawns or people taking the opportunity to rest and reflect on one of the benches.”
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Helen Ball, Broadacres Senior Sustainability Manager, said: “We were delighted to support such a fantastic community initiative which brings so much joy to local people.”
The Broadacres Sustainability Fund provides funding of up to £500 (£1,000 in exceptional cases) for local projects which: Protect or create areas for wildlife; Include tree planting; Encourage or enable people in the community to grow their own fruit and/or vegetables; Protect or create an outdoor space for local communities to enjoy.
People/organisations who would like to apply for funding through the sustainability fund can do so by going to www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/sustainability-fund/
