Orchard – Page 4 – Lanchester Community Orchard

Wild Flower Survey June 2023

We usually complete a wild flower survey every year. Many thanks to everyone who joined in with the survey and here are their results…

We found 47 species of wildflowers up from 31 last year with a few extra grasses. Our best finds were Bittersweet, commonly known as Deadly Nightshade, and Self Heal.

Here are the different species of grasses we found: Yorkshire Fog, Perennial Rye grass, Meadow Foxtail, Cocks Foot, False Oat grass, Crested Dogs Tail, Sweet Vernal grass, Timothy, Creeping Bent grass.

Blossom Time!

Our beautiful fruit trees have once again put on a wonderful blossom display. Hopefully there will be lots of apples to pick and juice in the Autumn!

Big Help Out Day 8th May 2023

To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, the orchard took part in the Big Help Out Day on the bank holiday Monday. Despite the rainy weather we had lots of visitors and everyone was able to help out building a new bench to commemorate the coronation. The Junior Wild life group also attended and our young visitors were able to make bug hotels.

First signs of Spring!

If you’re going for a walk around the orchard in the next few weeks watch out for the snowdrops and other early Spring flowers.

Our Colourful Nut Trees!

Our annual display of colourful catkins can be seen in our nut grove. It’s a joy to see the orchard waking up after the long winter and well worth a wander around the orchard to see them!

Nut Trees waking up in the Orchard Nut Grove!

During one of our February work sessions, we took the chance to wander round the orchard. The hazelnut and cob trees are moving already and we have a lovely display of catkins.

Spring 2021 in the Orchard

The Orchard has woken up again and is still providing a space for exercise and fresh. Some of the trees are in early blossom and the catkins in the nut grove have appeared. Hopefully this late cold snap won’t cause the trees any problems!

Weeding and Tidying continue!

Despite all the upheaval of the recent months we have still managed to carry out all of the jobs in the orchard whilst following Government guidelines. The orchard has been a peaceful breathing space for our members.

Grass has been cut, the fruit tree and soft fruit beds have had a much needed weed and the Forest Garden Project has continued.

20200528_190906

20200528_190847

DSCF0188

DSCF0184

20200528_191804

20200528_191722

Wild Flower Meadows June 2020

Our wild flower meadows are in full bloom again. The plugs planted by the Rainbows and Brownies several years ago are also thriving.

20200528_191518

20200528_192114

20200528_191940

20200528_191523

20200528_191859

20200528_191921

May Blossom 2020

The warm weather we have been enjoying recently has encouraged our fruit trees to blossom. The scent of apple blossom fills the summer evenings. One of our members recently took a stroll around the orchard to photograph the trees in bloom.

Photos courtesy of Zam Tea

DSCF0188

DSCF0186

DSCF0184

DSCF0183

DSCF0176-1

DSCF0177

DSCF0179

DSCF0172

DSCF0171

DSCF0176