Aldbourne spearheads pioneering ‘pocket orchards’ project

As well as further beautifying the village, it aims to provide nectar for the hives of village beekeepers and a range of fruit and nuts for harvesting by residents.
These will include quince, plum, gage, damson, apple, pear, walnuts and sweet chestnuts so that, as well as providing spectacular blossom, within a few years harvests of fruit and nuts should be on offer.
The initiative is being carried out by the volunteer Village Green group and local people are being invited to sponsor a tree for £30.
Although all produce will be shared by villagers, sponsors will get a plaque on the tree naming them, or perhaps a departed loved one, carrying a short message if desired.
Local businesses have also been invited to sponsor a tree.
The project has been facilitated by a grant awarded by Hills Waste Ltd under the Landfill Community Fund (LCF) and administered by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.
Several potential sites have been identified for pocket orchard planting including Lottage Road and Palmers Field.
Some sites will have just one or two trees, while others will host up to ten and by autumn, around 60 trees will have been planted by the group.
The £30 sponsorship covers the cost of a tree plus infrastructure such as irrigation, stake and protetective band as well as the plaque and inscription.
Spokeswoman for Village Green, Lesley Andrews, said: “There are several beekeepers in the village and it will benefit them, as well as providing an edible harvest. It will be great for pollinating existing fruit trees in gardens, too.
“Many people have sponsored a tree in memory of a loved one and soon the trees will be all over the village. There will be a planting in spring and then another in autumn.”
Project designer Isabelle Van Lennep said: “I believe that getting all of these things in place from the outset means that regardless of the weather, our trees stand a good chance of getting away to a great start.
“I have a young family and I’m sure that as they grow up and into adult hood they will see Aldbourne’s community orchard as a thing of beauty, and enjoy the fun of collecting fruit too.”
Individuals or businesses who wish to sponsor a tree should contact Ms Van Lennep by telephoning 01672 541 700 or via email at