Orchards are natural havens, bursting with wildflowers Library image Unsplash
Ashford is buzzing with the sweet promise of future harvests! Thanks to a generous £50,000 grant from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF), a wave of vibrant community orchards has sprung up across the borough, marking the Coronation of King Charles III in the most fruitful way imaginable.
Imagine the scene: hundreds of eager volunteers, from the energetic children of Ashford Oaks Primary School to the dedicated members of Willesborough WI and the inspiring residents of the Amber Foundation, all digging, planting, and laughing together. This wasn’t just planting trees; it was planting community spirit!
In January and February, under crisp winter skies, 545 fruit trees – a delightful mix of juicy apples, sweet pears, plump cherries, and tangy plums, all sourced from a beloved local nursery – found their new homes. Parish and community councils in 16 areas, from Aldington to Tenterden, welcomed 362 new trees, transforming their local landscapes. Ashford Borough Council, equally enthusiastic, added another 183 to their own open spaces.
These aren’t just pretty additions; they’re bustling ecosystems in the making! Orchards are natural havens, bursting with wildflowers, buzzing with pollinators like bees and butterflies, and offering vital food and shelter to birds and hedgehogs. They’re wildlife corridors, connecting habitats and enriching the local environment.
And the best part? These orchards are for everyone! They’re community spaces, designed for residents to enjoy the delicious fruit for years to come. Picture picnics under blossoming trees, children picking sun-warmed apples, and neighbours sharing the bounty of their shared efforts.
This initiative, a true testament to community collaboration and the power of nature, has turned Ashford into a blossoming paradise, a living legacy of King Charles III’s Coronation, and a delicious gift for generations to come. Get ready for a fruitful future, Ashford and live ‘appley’ ever after!
Cllr Kate Walder, Cabinet Member for Parks and Recreation, said:
“This fund has been a fantastic way to celebrate the Coronation, aligning with the King’s passion for nature. It supported the planting of hundreds of fruit trees, providing a lasting commemoration for
the local communities and wildlife they will benefit.“We’d like to thank all the parish and community councils who took part in this process and
for all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time in helping to plant so many beautiful
trees. We look forward to seeing them establish over the coming years and for all the joy
and harvest they will provide.”