Rokeby Recreation Ground
Establishing the Orchard in 2021

2021: The pictures show an aerial view of the chosen planting site and the orchard planted by the tree sponsors after the first planting weekend of 27th - 28th November 2021

We have now created a community orchard as a lovely, long term space for the villagers of Tokers Green, Dyson’s Wood and Chazy Heath to enjoy.

It is located in the second field at Rokeby Recreation Ground, with the kind permission of Mapleduram Parish council.

We invited local residents to be part of this community project by donating and planting a tree. Everyone interested was asked to choose either an apple, pear, plum, cherry or quince tree.

The most suitable trees were selected, from a local nursery, based on appearance, rootstock and pollination characteristics, with an overall balance of varieties.

The 31 heritage trees were planted in the first year of the orchard as a community activity on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November 2021, and the slideshows below show the chosen site, its preparation the weekend before the initial planting, the activities over the first planting weekend, and the planted orchard. Scroll down to see pictures of our regular work to maintain the orchard as well as the community coming together to plant more trees in later years -

Although the trees were donated and planted by individuals or families, they now belong to the community so that maintenance, such as weeding and pruning, and harvesting of the fruit each Autumn, will be a collective effort. Hopefully, the trees should begin to bear fruit in 2 or 3 years.

Please click here to view the orchard layout and the types and varieties of trees

November 2021 - Why a community orchard?

A small orchard in the heart of the villages is a wonderful asset for present and future generations. Villagers and visitors can take pleasure wandering through the orchard and witnessing the trees’ growth and the fruit mature, or simply pause and enjoy some moments of quiet contemplation.

The future

We hope the orchard will delight our residents, and our children and their children. In its own small way it will act as a carbon sink as well as provide a reservoir for fruit varieties and a refuge for all manner of wildlife: birds, insects and small animals. We plan to arrange village events, especially when the trees are in blossom or when the fruit is ready to pick. Year round it can be a place of meditation and reflection for everyone to share.

Further information and contact details

To build enthusiasm for the community orchard we provided information to everyone in Tokers Green, Chazey Heath and Dysons Wood via a leaflet delivered to every property, as well as emails and our WhatsApp groups. In addition, we provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which can be seen at the following link www.tinyurl.com/rrgorchard

Please contact us if you have questions or want any more information

Dave Thornton, Cath & Ron Middleton, Gill & Ian Beale
[email protected]