FEEDING the community with fresh ingredients grown thanks to hard work and dedication was the story of Lanchester Community Orchard, which picked up the Environment Award.
Described as a remarkable example of community-driven environmental stewardship, the orchard was established in 2011 and is operated by a dedicated team of locals.
Over 200 native fruit and nut trees now make up the orchard and provide fruit for people in the area as well as being a green space for wildlife.
In 2019 the orchard undertook a Forest Garden Project to enhance its biodiversity and create welcoming natural spaces for visitors. Community members contributed their skills to transform the orchard with sustainable features like a dry-stone wall seating area, wildflower meadow, woodchip pathways, an apple storage rack and an information board.
Stepping up to accept the award, one of the members said: “It all came about through a piece of land that was to be dedicated to the environment. We pulled together a group of people and planted some 60 trees – the following year we planted 300 more.
“We wanted a community space not just about the environment, but about people. We’ve brought together the community in Lanchester.”
When asked what was next, the members said: “We look after it! We have increased our environmental impact and have wildflower meadows. Of course we pick the fruits every year and eat them too. It’s a fantastic thing – it’s about working together and having that sense of community.”