Claybury Orchard is a traditional orchard set within the grounds of Claybury Park. The orchard was most likely planted to provide fruit for use at Claybury Hospital (which is now Repton Park development) and is thought to be around 70-80 years old. Apple trees are the most dominant type of fruit present and local residents make the most of the lovely apples produced each year!
To ensure the life of an orchard it is important that they are managed correctly, Claybury Orchard has been left to its own devices over the years and as such now requires management to bring it back to health. Traditional orchards are very rare, with the area of orchard habitat across England declining more than 60% since the 1950’s. Orchards are very important habitats for wildlife and support a number of different species from fungi to birds, so it is imperative that we look after them.
Funding has been received to restore Claybury Orchard to its former glory and works have already begun to prune the trees and remove scrub suffocating them. In order to ensure that the orchard is still present in years to come we are also planting new fruit trees to replace those which have been lost over the years – and this is where we need your help! We are running a tree planting event on Saturday the 11th of January at Claybury Orchard in order to plant approximately 12 new apple trees. We are doing this with help from the London Orchard Project, who know a thing or two about orchard trees! So come along and learn about orchards, plant your very own apple tree and have a taste of some locally grown apple varieties! We would like people of all ages to get involved, and there will be apple based activities to keep your children busy.
The event will run from 11am – 3pm and we will be located at Claybury Park, at the entrance gate on Acle Close off Stalham Way. There is no need to book and we look forward to seeing you there!
Check out the Claybury Tree Planting Event Poster
Post Author: Tess Pettinger
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