Thornbury Community Orchard is a small walled area between the stream and the footpath to the east of Gloucester Road, opposite The Anchor pub. It belongs to South Gloucestershire Council, who have asked Sustainable Thornbury to manage it.
The orchard contains several apple and plum trees. Two of the apple trees at the east end are old and overgrown, and we have not attempted to restore them. The other apples and plums were planted in 1995. The existing trees have been more or less left to take care of themselves since then. We are trying to restore them, but they suffer from canker. and started by planting a number of new fruit trees to compliment the existing ones.
We have also planted soft fruit and a medlar tree.
We have been ably instructed by ‘Mr Fruit’ (Graham White) in planting trees and the best way to prune fruit trees for a better, healthier crop. We have pruned out some of the canker and pruned for improved productivity.
The project perfectly illustrates the aims of the group which include encouraging the production of locally grown food. Members are interested in all aspects of fruit and veg growing and very much appreciated having the help of a professional fruit grower on hand. There should be a bumper harvest in the autumn and the trees, hopefully, will appreciate all the care and attention.
Photograph by Lucy Day Studio