Local volunteers came together on Saturday 7 November to plant a new community orchard in West Bridgford.
The orchard occupies a previously underused green space at the bottom of Graystones Close, between the footpath and the beck.
The planting followed a year of planning by a small group of neighbours, who secured permission to use the land from Rushcliffe Borough Council. They then obtained funding from the borough council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Jupiter Play and Leisure and Bassingfield Wood Yard.
The fifteen fruit trees planted in this first phase were all donated by Notcutts Garden Centre.
Representatives from Rushcliffe Borough Council joined Jonathon Wheeler from Nottinghamshire County Council, John Wilson from Notcutts Garden Centre, and Michael and Catherine Heonigmann from Jupiter Play and Leisure alongside local volunteers for Saturday’s planting. The trees include heritage apple varieties, pears and plums.
County Councillor Jonathan Wheeler contributed funds from his Divisional fund towards the project and told the Wire: “This is a fantastic project led by hard working local residents, and the community will benefit for years to come. My thanks go to them and the residents who came along to plant the trees. 15 years ago the land was overgrown, and now we have a community orchard, it is a huge transformation and one that everyone can enjoy.’
“We wanted to create something beautiful and lasting that brings people together and makes them smile,” said Rose Coles, one of the organising team. “In a few years anyone from the neighbourhood will be able to walk through here and pick fresh organic fruit straight from the branch.”
The orchard aims to boost urban biodiversity and provide an attractive, educational space for families to visit. Future plans include outreach work with local schools and wildflower planting.
The organising group is seeking funding for a further fifteen trees to be planted in spring 2027.
Anyone can become a ‘Friend of Gamston Beck Orchard’ for £25. Friends will receive a metal leaf on which they can write their name or a dedication to hang on one of the trees. Money raised will go towards maintaining and developing the orchard.
The group also welcomes support from local businesses to help bring the second phase of the project to fruition.
For further information, email gamstonbeckcommunityorchard@gmail.com or visit gamstonbeckcommunityorchard.co.uk.
