The Crosstown Community Orchard opened its gates last Sunday (22nd August) inviting the community to celebrate the creation of their new orchard at their launch party.
After a drizzly morning the weather turned to deliver a sunny afternoon for the 100 people from the local community who turned out to support the event. Opening the afternoon, Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton said, “I have lived in Knutsford 25 years and the passion and dedication of local people who are always willing to step forward, volunteer and help in maintaining and developing our wonderful town never ceases to amaze me.”
Visitors enjoyed a BBQ run by 2nd Knutsford (Crosstown) Scouts, a range of lawn games including giant Jenga and Connect Four and traditional folk music performed by local musicians and singers. Lower Moss Wood joined the event too, bringing their resident owls for families to meet and providing an opportunity to learn about another great local charity.
Welcoming the community, Chairman of the Crosstown Community Orchard Adam Keppel-Green outlined the work that the trustees and volunteers had undertaken in the last six months which included planting 38 fruit trees, 105 foraging tree saplings and installing bird feeders and boxes. Adam also highlighted plans for the next six months which include installing two picnic tables, planting spring flowering bulbs and planting additional trees and fruit bushes. The charity will also be hosting community workshops to teach pruning, jam making and other orchard related skills.
“It was incredibly rewarding to welcome the community into the orchard at our launch event – this was what our work was for and we were all so proud at the end of the day.” said Adam.
“Our thanks go to everyone who joined us for the day and especially to Lower Moss Wood, 2nd Knutsford Scouts and the musicians.”
“I’d also like to thank my fellow trustees and all the volunteers who have helped transform the space over the past six months and turn an idea into a reality.”
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