LOCAL residents gathered to celebrate the official opening of Broadlands Community Orchard.
The event marked a significant milestone for the volunteer-run project and included the planting of more than 600 spring bulbs.
Formerly known as the Keynsham Community Orchard, the site – off Winscombe Close and St Anne’s Avenue – was renamed after resident Sue Joy proposed the new title as better rooted in the area’s history.
Research by residents Sarah Medley and Alex Rowson uncovered the past of a nearby orchard at Broadlands Farm – now Broadlands House – making the name particularly fitting.
The opening was performed by the chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Liz Hardman, who praised the commitment of the volunteers and Broadlands Academy.
Academy staff and students have played an active role in maintaining the orchard and took part in the day’s planting activities on November 7.
Cllr Hardman said: “A wide variety of trees have been planted – apples, pears, damsons and apricots – along with a mulberry tree which will be the jewel of the orchard. It was a very memorable experience showing what can be achieved when a community comes together.”
Following the official opening, local residents Heather and Jim Ramsay led a Druidic blessing of the eight fruit trees. The volunteers then toasted the trees with apple juice donated by The Community Farm.
The orchard was planted in March this year and the trees were provided by the Forest of Avon Trust.
The event was also supported by Keynsham councillors Alex Beaumont and Andy Wait, who joined residents in planting hundreds of bulbs donated by Keynsham Town Council and B&NES Council. Additional bulbs were planted the following morning by volunteers.
The celebration also allowed the community to share ideas for the orchard’s future. Suggestions included installing benches, creating a wildlife pond, planting more fruit trees, and introducing native perennials.
Further planting, including snowdrops and native bluebells, is planned for next spring.
Resident volunteer Sarah Medley said of the bulb-planting: “It is going to be so lovely in the spring and will be a real motivator to think what else we could do to make this area a lovely place to be for everyone.”
Heather and Jim Ramsay said their Druidic ceremony allowed them to call upon the elements to “bring strength to the newly planted trees that they may grow and prosper.”
Laura Stone, headteacher of Broadlands Academy, said: “Our children being part of the project is enabling them to connect with nature and be part of something bigger than themselves, to be custodians for nature. We look forward to using the space for a range of purposes in the coming years.”
David Self, who came up with the idea of using the empty piece of land to plant an orchard, said: “Much was discussed, with some great ideas raised for the future.”
The orchard project organisers welcome new members. Anyone interested in helping with future planting days or maintenance activities is invited to email keynshamorchard@gmail.com
