Planted in 2022, a relatively new addition is the Horfield Common Community Orchard (to the west of the Ardagh). This was planted with a mixture of apple, pear and plum trees, including traditional varieties such as Conference Pear, Denbigh Plum, Stoke Edith Pippin and Sweeney Nonpareil Apple. Although these are still young trees and only just beginning to bear fruit, they are already becoming an important feature of this part of the Common.
As well as being useful for food for humans, orchards are massively beneficial to wildlife. In spring, the blossom provides an early source of food for bees and other pollinators. As the season progresses, it becomes part of the wider patchwork of habitats on Horfield Common, supporting insects and helping to strengthen local biodiversity. Later in the year, the developing fruit can provide food for birds, insects and other wildlife, while the trees themselves gradually offer increasing shelter and habitat as they mature. In autumn and early winter, fallen fruit becomes another important food source for insects, birds and other wildlife.
Community-based orchards are valuable spaces in urban areas because they bring together wildlife, heritage and people. In the Horfield Common Community Orchard, traditional fruit varieties help preserve an interesting link with the area’s agricultural past, while creating the opportunity for local people to enjoy blossom, fruit and the changing seasons. It is a place where nature can be observed.
As the orchard grows, we will see it become richer in wildlife and more productive, adding another layer of interest to the Common’s natural life and giving future generations the chance to enjoy, learn and eat the fruits from it.
Please note that this is a different orchard from the Horfield Organic Community Orchard which is another local organisation and can be found here. https://community-orchard.org.uk
As well as being useful for food for humans, orchards are massively beneficial to wildlife. In spring, the blossom provides an early source of food for bees and other pollinators. As the season progresses, it becomes part of the wider patchwork of habitats on Horfield Common, supporting insects and helping to strengthen local biodiversity. Later in the year, the developing fruit can provide food for birds, insects and other wildlife, while the trees themselves gradually offer increasing shelter and habitat as they mature. In autumn and early winter, fallen fruit becomes another important food source for insects, birds and other wildlife.
Community-based orchards are valuable spaces in urban areas because they bring together wildlife, heritage and people. In the Horfield Common Community Orchard, traditional fruit varieties help preserve an interesting link with the area’s agricultural past, while creating the opportunity for local people to enjoy blossom, fruit and the changing seasons. It is a place where nature can be observed.
As the orchard grows, we will see it become richer in wildlife and more productive, adding another layer of interest to the Common’s natural life and giving future generations the chance to enjoy, learn and eat the fruits from it.
Please note that this is a different orchard from the Horfield Organic Community Orchard which is another local organisation and can be found here. https://community-orchard.org.uk
| horfield_common_community_orchard_map.pdf |
