THE opening of a flourishing community orchard in Paulson was the last official engagement for chair of B&NES Council and Paulson resident Cllr Liz Hardman.

Launched on April 25, the orchard was planted by volunteers from Paulton on the Wildside (POWLS) in November. Paulton residents were serenaded on their approach to the orchard by Kathleen Still on the accordion and after the ribbon was cut, refreshed by apple and pear cakes, apple juice and cider.

Cllr Hardman said: “I am honoured to officially open the community orchard which is long-term asset for Paulton; a space where nature and community can thrive.

“The fact that today is my last official duty as chair of B&NES Council, and that it’s taking place in my own village, for a project that is dear to my heart, makes the day very special to me. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make it happen.”

The project was funded by Paulton Parish Council, with chair of the council Grant Johnson proposing the project and instrumental in securing the funds from redistributed s106 monies.

He said: “This orchard is a true community effort – people have dug, carried, watered, and supported each other to make it happen.”

In a truly community endeavour volunteers of all ages helped plant a variety of fruit trees that will, in time, provide free, locally grown produce for everyone to enjoy.

Residents will be able to choose from apples, pears, greengages, plums, cherries, quinces, and damsons. Local species were included such as ‘Morgan Sweet’ and ‘Beauty of Bath’ apples, along with more popular varieties such as ‘Bramley Seedling’ apple and ‘Conference’ pear.

The orchard will continue to grow and develop over the coming months, with more community involvement planned such as apple and pear pressing events, wassailing and a proposal for May Day singing and dancing next year.

POWLS is made up of volunteers who are committed to enhancing wildlife in the area and have drawn members from other local projects such as Pride in Paulton and the Somerset Coal Canal Society. The group believes collaborating with like-minded groups is essential to success of new initiatives.

Other local organisations who have supported the project are Midsomer Norton’s Men’s Shed, who are making a lectern which will show plan of the individual trees, Chew Valley Trees who provided advice on what species to plant, Paulton Scouts and Guides, and Cam Valley Wildlife Group who are working closely with POWLS as they develop other initiatives to support wildlife around the village.

The group were especially delighted to welcome families to the event who would like to get more involved in their work with next projects including fixing rubbing plaques depicting examples of wildlife at strategic points around the village’s new ‘Nature Trail’. This project is geared at encouraging families to explore nature within easy walking distance from the village centre.

For more information about POWLS work and letting them know if anyone would like to get involved contact: [email protected]