It has been very good to hear so many appreciative comments about the orchard this year. The wild flowers have clearly been a highlight and much of the fruit has been picked.

There has been a bit of a struggle in regard to the apples. A tree was damaged by climbing and some fruit obviously wasted. I tried out the idea of an apple sharing day and set it for Sept 15th when at least some of the fruit would have been ripe, but most of the apples were taken well before this., so I am cancelling that. My guess is that the idea of an apple sharing day will not quite work in such a public space. Plans for the future are to immediately remove all the apples from any tree that is being damaged and to plant some smaller apples trees where people can reach the fruit without climbing.

Just now there are some nice thornless blackberries and yellow raspberries ready to take. We are currently working on an information board for the orchard which will say more about what the orchard is for, how to use it and when to expect each fruit to be ripe.

Next week on Wednesday (11th Sept) we have an orchard working party at 10am to 12noon. Please come if you can. We shall be preparing to sow more wild flowers, shifting compost, preparing to plant new apple trees and sharing out any remaining apples.

Finally, regarding the park in general, I am sorry to see trolleys in the park again. I am told that they are being used to light fires of plastic things. Something to do with smelling the fumes. Extraordinary!

News of our upcoming AGM shortly.