A brand-new Community Orchard has opened in Peasedown St John, thanks to a partnership between the Peasedown Community Trust and social housing landlord, Curo.

Located opposite The Hive Community Centre, over thirty fruit trees were planted on the site before Christmas. Chairman of the Trust, Gavin Heathcote, said: “Trees are one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – and create habitats for wildlife.

“Thanks to everyone, including volunteers from the primary school and village’s environment group, who came along to our action day to help plant the trees.”

The project also includes a seating area where residents can sit, relax and enjoy the many benefits of being in a community orchard. Children will be able to pick fruit on their way to school.

The Community Trust would like to thank the following organisations for their help and support with the creation of the orchard: Jackson’s Fencing, Massey Wilcox Transport, AJ & SME & CJ Franks Fir Tree Farm, Blakeway near Wedmore, Wilkins & Sons Lands End Farm, Mudgle, Wedmore.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) is a fellow Trustee and Chair of B&NES Council’s Climate Emergency & Sustainability Panel. She added: “We’ve either planted or earmarked sites to plant 200 trees locally, plus we’re on target to plant 500 trees in Peasedown in time for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.”