During the winter of 2017/18 Earls Colne WI planted a scattered Community Orchard. This was in response to our concerns re climate change and a desire to see more of our food grown locally. Where possible we have chosen old local heritage varieties. As there was no obvious piece of land available it was decided to plant the trees in groups, scattered across the village. In so doing we have involved other local groups who have all been very supportive.
The project was funded by the sale of homemade jams and chutneys, using produce from our own gardens. We also received a grant from the District Councillors Community Fund, which enabled us to complete the project in 6 months.
In early December James Cleverly MP planted our first tree on the school playing fields, helped by some of the pupils and watched by representatives of all the groups involved.
To date we have planted 31 trees, including 17 heritage apple trees, plums, gages, damsons, a quince, a medlar and 2 almonds (See map) When they start to fruit in 3-4yrs time anyone in the village can pick and use the produce
Perhaps take a walk around the village, using our map and see how many you can spot.
Following on from this (hope you saw us on the telly on Look East!), this autumn we are planting woodland trees on the Millennium Green.
At present, trees are the only way of reducing the levels of carbon dioxide we send up into the atmosphere and there is a concerted effort nationally to increase our tree cover. We will be planting one tree for each of our members, currently 66. The trees are being supplied free to community groups by the Woodland Trust and will be a mixture of oak, grey willow, field maple, wild cherry, silver birch and rowan. The trees will be sent out in November. Details of planting event to follow.
Autumn Tree Planting Project—The WI Wood!
Some of our members braved the frosty conditions to plant 66 native tree saplings on Saturday 30th November (including oak, willow, rowan and silver birch) on the Millennium Green. Luckily the ground wasn’t actually that hard!
Then it was off to the Lion for a warming mulled wine!
Thanks to Sue McEwan, an Essex Federation Trustee, The Millennium Green Trustees and various husbands for coming along too. Also, the Millennium Green Trust for giving us permission to plant there and Jayne, our Climate Ambassador, for the idea and organisation.
The project was funded by the sale of homemade jams and chutneys, using produce from our own gardens. We also received a grant from the District Councillors Community Fund, which enabled us to complete the project in 6 months.
In early December James Cleverly MP planted our first tree on the school playing fields, helped by some of the pupils and watched by representatives of all the groups involved.
To date we have planted 31 trees, including 17 heritage apple trees, plums, gages, damsons, a quince, a medlar and 2 almonds (See map) When they start to fruit in 3-4yrs time anyone in the village can pick and use the produce
Perhaps take a walk around the village, using our map and see how many you can spot.
Following on from this (hope you saw us on the telly on Look East!), this autumn we are planting woodland trees on the Millennium Green.
At present, trees are the only way of reducing the levels of carbon dioxide we send up into the atmosphere and there is a concerted effort nationally to increase our tree cover. We will be planting one tree for each of our members, currently 66. The trees are being supplied free to community groups by the Woodland Trust and will be a mixture of oak, grey willow, field maple, wild cherry, silver birch and rowan. The trees will be sent out in November. Details of planting event to follow.
Autumn Tree Planting Project—The WI Wood!
Some of our members braved the frosty conditions to plant 66 native tree saplings on Saturday 30th November (including oak, willow, rowan and silver birch) on the Millennium Green. Luckily the ground wasn’t actually that hard!
Then it was off to the Lion for a warming mulled wine!
Thanks to Sue McEwan, an Essex Federation Trustee, The Millennium Green Trustees and various husbands for coming along too. Also, the Millennium Green Trust for giving us permission to plant there and Jayne, our Climate Ambassador, for the idea and organisation.