New Orchards
Orchard Project - Winchburgh 2019
Working closely with SRUC planting two thriving new orchards
Two New Winchburgh Orchards Planted on 4th March 2019...
Back in July 2018 we announced that we pitched for some funding and our proposal was voted the second best amongst all community orchard projects! The funds will allow us to buy some fruit trees and with further funding fruit pickers, fruit pressers and an improvised watering solution.
Another great step towards our vision to offer free good food for everyone!
The funds will be provided by a national project called 'Helping Britain Blossom' a partnership between The Orchard Project
and Heineken. More info on our Appreciation Page
As part of the day we also learned more about forest gardening, orchard simulator, diseases such as scab and silver leaf and enterprise ideas - how about Winchburgh cider or Winchburgh apple juice or Winchburgh yum jam?
A message was sent out to the village to vote for favourite varieties to grow and each suggestion was great!
Fruit trees planting in January are:
- 1 x Stardust cherry tree
- 1 x Stella cherry tree
- 2 x Czar Plum tree
- 1 x Ashmeads Kernel
apple tree
- 2 x Discovery
apple tree
- 2 x James
Grieve
apple tree
- 2 x Scrumptious apply tree
- 2 x Ergemont
apple
tree
- 2 x Russet apple tree
- 1 x Apple Sunset
We should be picking fruit from summer on-wards! Hopefully if it's another bumper summer we can press some and make juice or turn the fruit into creative food! These varieties will ensure early, mid and late season fruits.
Moving forward...
Since then we've now placed our fruit tree orders with specialist suppliers and took delivery by in February.
In August 2018 West Lothian Council met and agreed where we could plant the two Orchards - sites on Dunn Place next to Winchburgh nursery / school and next to Tippet Knowes park were agreed. This will see a variety of trees planted to continue on from existing trees. It means anyone can grab an apple, pear, plum or cherry on the go!
November 2018 came and we met up with George & Grant both lecturers from nearby SRUC
(Oatridge College) and chatted about the sites and what would be required. It was suggested to have the areas scanned for any utilities underground and complete a scan of the area.
We'll next meet with Grant March (delayed due to deliver delay with some trees) along with 16 college students to learn more about properly planting and staking fruit trees. Each tree will also be planted with microrisal fungi, fertiliser and trees will be tied securely with the stakes.
The creation of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) took place in 2012 by merging SAC (the Scottish Agricultural College) with three respected partners (Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges).
SRUC exists to deliver comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industries, founded on world class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy. The integration of these three complementary ‘knowledge exchange’ services is of significant value to all with an interest in land-based activities – be they learners, businesses, communities or policy-makers.
...Winchburgh Community Growing Group are proud to work along side the college to deliver two new orchards in Winchburgh on 4th March 2019! - Locations of the two new orchards are on Tippet Knowes Park and Glendevon Park where eight new trees will be planted on each site, pop along to say hello if you're around from 1pm.
Orchards planted 4th March 2019 and we look forward to seeing the trees establish over the coming years. 2019 will allow the trees time to establish and get used to their new home - Come summer of 2020 we expect to see the fruits of a great healthy harvest!
Just for the record - We also made the news in the Daily Record
