A COMMUNITY orchard is being proposed for a site near Broadlands Academy in Keynsham.
The small piece of land is adjacent to Winscombe Close, St Anne’s Avenue and St Francis Road.
The orchard has been proposed by town resident David Self, who has produced a questionnaire being delivered to people living in the immediate neighbourhood.
The questionnaire states: “Nearby Orchard Close was the site of Keynsham’s last orchard until it was built on in the 1960s – let’s bring it back to life.”
David believes the site would make an ideal home for a mixed-fruit orchard of about 12 trees.
He decided to propose the orchard after completing a practical sustainability course run by Shift Bristol, a not-for-profit organisation that provides training to help regenerate communities.
David said: “I was inspired along with some of the students to plan a community orchard using permaculture design principles we learnt on the course. We thought this site, close to where I live, would make an ideal urban orchard.
“Planting trees can contribute to tackling climate change, by storing carbon in the tree, bark and soil. If they are fruit trees, the local residents will benefit from the fruit.”
He said the orchard would increase biodiversity to encourage pollinators such as bees, moths and birds, as well as improving air quality.
He added: “Increasing green spaces and their access is known to improve mental wellbeing.
“I believe planting trees in general, and in this proposed orchard in particular, is a ‘win-win’ for the community and would be a wonderful additional asset to Keynsham.”
David has been in contact with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Keynsham Town Council and the Forest of Avon Trust about the project, and said: “All three agencies have been incredibly supportive and receptive to the idea of planting this small orchard.”
The scheme also has the backing of B&NES Keynsham North councillors George Leach and Alex Beaumont, who stated: “We are fully supportive of this community-led initiative, which provides numerous benefits to residents and biodiversity educational opportunities for local schools whilst aligning with B&NES climate objectives”.
If the community consultation shows widespread support for the orchard, planting could start in March, with the trees producing fruit in about three to four years.
David said B&NES Council owns the land and that the Forest of Avon Trust would maintain the trees with support of local volunteer residents and pupils of Broadlands Academy when necessary.
Broadlands principal Laura Stone said: “We are huge supporters of the orchard. We have been involved with David since the beginning as we have an active gardening club here at Broadlands who are keen to work beyond the school grounds.
“We will be involved in planting in March, will commit to being part of those taking care of the orchard and will use it as a site to visit for lessons in science and geography over the coming years. There is also a planned art space which we hope to exhibit in.”
The questionnaire asks residents if they would be interested in supporting the community orchard by planting trees, helping to maintain them, or being part of the project group that decides on the orchard’s development.
For more information about the project, email keynshamorchard@googlemail.com
Pictured above, the site of the proposed community orchard, on a site adjacent to Winscombe Close, St Anne’s Avenue and St Francis Road
Below, David Self
