Community Orchard

**Community Orchard Update**

The creation of a community orchard in Slaithwaite will be going ahead, thanks to funding from Kirklees Council.

It will be located in a field in close proximity to the Rotcher picnic site. We plan to plant a variety of trees including apples and pears, with a selection of soft fruit bushes. However it may be 2-3 years before the trees produce edible fruit but the site can still be used by MASTT for outdoor events.

There are many benefits that can be achieved by planting fruit trees within a community. Not only will these trees produce wonderful fresh fruit, they will provide an area for people to relax and feel closer to nature. They can provide focal points and improve green spaces in the ‘urban jungle’ that have too readily become areas for ‘development’.

Orchards were once widespread across the Birtish Isles, with each area having native varieties but now they seem to be few and far between., With supermarkets offering cheap standardised fruit imported from other countries, the interest in local fruit growing has dwindled, however the benefit to us will be the ability to pick the fruit when we choose, directly from the tree. However a select few keep the spirit alive by recognising remaining orchards by celebrating Apple Day ion the 21st October. 

MASTT believe that everyone within the community can have access to these fruits at no cost but until the trees are matured please do not enter the site without a member of MASTT being present.

If anyone is interested in becoming involved with this project please post a message on this board stating your interest or by emailing MASTT on info@mastt.org

We are looking for volunteers to help planting the trees in December. Please do get in touch. 

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