ELHAP August 2011
This project is running from August 2011 – March 2012 and we hope to develop a second phase in 2012
We plan to plant 10 new orchard trees and 40 fruiting saplings
We are working with the Redbridge council and the staff and young people of ELHAP to lovingly restore and transform an old orchard.
The orchard is now characterized by overgrown fruit trees tangled together and narrow woodland trails obstructed by old logs and debris. By giving the older trees some TLC and improving access and habitat, we hope to encourage the young people to explore and enjoy this wild edible wood.
The orchard lies within ELHAP’s boundaries but has never been actively used by the centre. Without careful management many non fruiting trees have invaded and competition for light has forced many of the fruit trees (such as apple, pears and green gauges) to grow tall and leggy. This makes it almost impossible to reach the fruit!
Community planting day November 2011
Without proper management the fruiting trees will eventually be out-competed and some lovely old varieties may be lost. Through this project Trees for Cities are opening up the orchard and are helping ELHAP create a management plan for volunteers to enable the young people and staff who use the centre to benefit from the fruit, get involved in woodland management tasks and enjoy exploring this amazing wild space.
This project links to Trees for Cities' Trees for Volunteering and Trees for Food themes and is supported by Big Lottery - Local Food, RE:LEAF and International Tree Foundation.
