News

June 2023

The orchard volunteers are making hay.  Our new hand powered baler makes mini bales of our meadow hay.  The baler was made by Rob Pedley and Steve Abbott and works surprisingly well!

Most of our hay is donated to Manor Farm Animal Sanctuary in Bilsthorpe, but let us know if you'd like some.

19th January 2023

The orchard volunteers have laid the orchard hedge along school lane.  This traditional technique involves cutting almost through each stem and bending it down nearly horizontal.  It reduces the height of the hedge, thickens up the base and encourages new growth.  In the past the aim was to make the hedge stock proof but for us it's to make it better for wildlife especially nesting birds.  We hope to do the same for the hedge beside the old school next winter then repeat every 5 years or so.

6th January 2023

The orchard now has a Barn Owl nest box in the old pear tree.  Made by Chris Bartle, Rob Pedley and Sue Ford and wrestled into position with the help from Hazel Pedley and Steve Abbott.  Let's hope the owls approve of our work and move in soon.

16th October 2022

The orchard is now signposted from the Main Street / School Lane junction with another sign and a notice board beside the orchard gate.

Thanks very much Scotty and Izzy for creating the signs from recycled hardwood and donating them to the orchard.