Alnwick community group hopes to establish community orchard at Chapel Lands

A group of Chapel Lands residents are taking on the project and eventually hope to agree a lease with Northumberland County Council.

Martin Swinbank, a member of the steering group, explained: “The orchard idea came about after chatting with our neighbours at the Chapel Lands Community BBQ which my wife Karen and I, organised with some friends nearly two years ago.

"Sitting out on the back field enjoying the sunshine, a BBQ and a few drinks, whilst the kids played rounders, we wondered whether we could improve part of the field for increased community use?”

Leaflets were put through doors and an open meeting at the Shepherds Rest resulted in the formation of a steering group.

They took the idea to Alnwick Town Council and then Northumberland County Council, the landowner.

"We now have an agreement in principle to go ahead,” said Martin.

The steering group hopes to follow the model adopted at the hugely successful Bullfield Community Orchard, off Weavers Way which is now literally bearing fruit.

Martin added: “There is still a way to go at Chapel Lands, but I think lockdowns have brought home to us how important local green space is to our lives, and community initiatives to improve these spaces, will I believe bring us back together.”

In the meantime, some daffodils have been planted to help brighten up spring on the top section of the field – with volunteers picking up a bucket full of rubbish in the process.

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