Tollesbury Community Orchard Update April 2025

Overview

Earlier in 2024 we were asked by the Essex Forests Initiative, Essex County Council to be part of a district wide bid to develop local community orchards. Of course, we said yes! Happily, the bid was successful. The money was coming from the Kings Coronation Living Heritage Fund, administered by Essex County Council who also provide mentoring and support. So in the summer we identified two potential sites and in due course agreed with the Parish Council to create the orchard on land next to the cemetery carpark at the entrance to the village. We had previously planted trees at the cemetery so the orchard makes a nice addition to our copse and hedgerows already there.

We then presented the idea to the village in September 2024 to hear feedback, ideas and get more people involved to develop the orchard. This proved to be a success and there were over 20 people that volunteered to help, with Adam taking the lead on the project.

The wheels were then in motion to plan and design the orchard. Tollesbury Royal British Legion kindly gave us the space to meet for orchard meetings. We then marked out the site and worked out that 33 trees could fit into the space available. We also wanted to have a metal sculpted tree in the centre of the orchard which could house commemorative leaf & fruit plaques. We had feedback that there are limited opportunities for this in the village so thought this would be a great addition.

As well as the trees we wanted to have signage, seating and a footpath which would make the orchard accessible to all. The orchard will benefit the climate as trees will remove and store carbon from the air. Fruit will also be produced for people to use locally which will reduce food miles. The fruit and trees will also benefit local wildlife. Not to mention the social benefits to local people to have a beautiful space to enjoy. The orchard will be run and managed by Tollesbury Climate Partnership volunteers for the community and should begin to produce fruit in three years.

The Trees

The 33 trees are nursery grown by the East of England Apples & Orchards Project (EEAOP) in Norfolk. All varieties selected are from the East of England region with some originating as close as Tolleshunt D’Arcy with a mix of fruits including apples, pears and  plums. Trees provided were bare root and were 1-1.5m (1-2 years old) when planted.

The Layout

We designed a layout which would compliment the space and keeping efficient ongoing management in mind.

Planting Day

The trees were delivered and the orchard volunteers were ready to plant in February 2025. We had a beautiful winters sunny day and the ground was soft making it perfect for planting. Thirty trees were planted with three being held back to provide room for the path installation.

Tree Sculpture

We wanted to install a metal tree sculpture which could bring the community together and provide a central focal point for the orchard. The sculpture has been handmade my Simon Earney who has used recycled metal with the majority being salvaged from Tollesbury. The sculpture also provides the opportunity for supporters of the orchard to buy plaques from us and have installed on the tree. Funds from these plaques will go to fund the upkeep of the orchard and ensure it is maintained for years to come.

Path Installation

The path had been pegged out and Bonz were at the ready to begin work at the end of March 2025. The boarding was installed and then the concrete poured to make the path linking the car park and in road to the centre of the orchard. We wanted a path so the orchard was accessible to wheelchair users and those with buggies.

We want to thank Tollesbury Parish Council for their support throughout this project and Essex County Council for funding for the project. Not to mention our fantastic volunteers who have contributed in a variety of ways to make the orchard a success.

The Community Orchard opening will be at 10am on the 14th of June.

If you would like to get involved in the orchard project in any way then contact Adam on adam@tollesburyclimate.org you can also follow our social media for more updates.