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Chapel Orchard Project
Location: Cambridgeshire
Chapel Orchard is the last survivor of once-extensive orchards in the village of Orwell. Once earmarked for housing development, the site has now been leased to the Parish Council, who have delegated plans to improve access and interpretation to the group. The latter have drawn up a formal management plan in conjunction with District Council officers, and this project will implement it.
Paths suitable for access by disabled people will be constructed and the drainage will be restored to allow a spring to fill a small pond and ditches running through the site. A boardwalk and bridges will be constructed. The site includes a medieval house platform, and all groundwork will be carried out under archaeological supervision.
An interpretation board will be created and installed on the site and the group will produce a booklet about its history and wildlife. There will also be an exhibition and a celebration day on completion of the project, both of which will be publicised through leaflets distributed in the village.
Group Name |
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Chapel Orchard Community Group |
| Project Contact |
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Mrs S H Miller |
| Address |
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55 High Street. Orwell. Royston. Hertfordshire. SG8 5QN |
| Project Postcode |
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SG8 5QS |
| Finishing Date |
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31 Mar 07 |
| See also |
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Chapel Orchard Community Group website |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
From February to April 2005 about 50 local people of all ages were involved in pruning trees and clearing scrub, nettles, fallen timber, etc. to form glades within the overgrown orchard, allowing sunlight to penetrate and encourage dormant seeds to generate. Several new species have appeared, including hedge woundwort, borage, dog's mercury and bee orchids. Brambles are on flower (July) and are attracting Comma butterflies. We have also seen Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Common Blue and Gatekeeper Butterflies.
Promising crops of greengages, apples and bullaces are ripening. Paths we have cut through the undergrowth are being kept clear by the frequent passage of local people enjoying the site. The local Brownie Pack has been given a 'Nature Walk' around the orchard to introduce them to the wildlife and plant life to be seen here.
When the bird and animal breeding season is over (late September) volunteer work parties will clear the disabled path route and clear the dry ditches preparatory to re-routing the spring water. |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £15939
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