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 pruned several times. We are trying to restore them, but they suffer from canker.
We have planted a number of new fruit trees to compliment the existing ones, plus soft fruit and a medlar tree. See the map of the trees, bushes and other plants in February 2017.
See the new sign (PDF 427KB), which explains what the orchard is and what is there.
The Thornbury Orchard Group is a group of volunteers, run by Sustainable Thornbury, who look after the orchard. We are part of the South Gloucestershire Council Community Spaces network, and as such have a volunteer agreement to enable us to work safely as volunteers to manage the Orchard. Copies of the agreement and more information can be obtained from thornburyorchard@sustainablethornbury.org.
Marian has completed a one day First Aid course. She is proposing to be at the Orchard at least twice a month (with risk assessment and First Aid box) to do any work that needs doing – e.g.tying in the blackberries as they grow. She would appreciate some company on those days so if you are available and would like to get involved please turn upon any of the days and times listed below. We will normally be there for an hour, sometimes less. One summer work-party will be pruning the plum and damsons. We may also need to thin some apples.
|
Month |
Wednesday 9:30am |
Saturday 2pm |
Notes |
| January | 20th | ||
| February | 7th | 17th | |
| March | 7th | 17th | |
| April | 4th | 21th | |
| May | 2nd | 19th | |
| June | 6th | 16th | |
| July | 4th | 21st | |
| August | 1st | 18th | |
| September | 5th | 15th | |
| October | 3rd | 20th | |
| November | 7th | 17th | |
| December | 5th | 15th (TBC) |
Click here for a printable version of the above dates and here for the details of the work to be done each month.
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.
You can download the Induction Training Sheet, and the Volunteer Agreement.