Growing together: Bringing orchards back to communities in Cheshire
Cheshire West and Chester Council has supported 12 communities in the borough to establish orchards in their neighbourhoods over the last five years.
Cheshire used to be known as the fruit basket of the North West, providing fresh fruit for the emerging cities in the area during the Victoria era. They played an important role in communities for many centuries, providing a focal point and gathering space for people to come together and harvest the abundant fruit.
Over the years, there has been a steady decline of Orchards in the area but thanks to funding through nature-based programmes such as Trees for Climate, we’re continuing to help boost the number in the area.
Aerial shot of a new community orchard being planted
They provide free or low-cost seasonal food sources for residents
They support peoples’ health and wellbeing – whether through physical activity linked to planting, pruning or harvesting the trees or providing a restorative space that can be beneficial to peoples’ mental health.
They help to build stronger communities by acting as social hubs at key points throughout the year, such as during harvest festivals.
They create wildlife habitats and help restore biodiversity. Orchards create sanctuaries for pollinators, birds and other insects.
They help communities become climate resilient by improving air quality, offering shade and capturing carbon. They also help to stabilise soil and reduce the impact of extreme weather.
Orchards are recognised as a key habitat in the Cheshire and Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy and there is a long-term vision to increase the numbers in the county and improve those that are established.
The Council’s Green Infrastructure team organise pruning workshops for landowners and communities at key points of the year to help with the management of these vital spaces. Watch a video of a pruning workshop in Vicars Cross, Chester.
Watch the below video of a recent community planting day where people came together to create an orchard in their neighbourhood.
