The Wildlife Allotment Garden & Community Orchard is approximately 3 hectares in size and is unusual in that, while it accommodates some 26 allotments, these are scattered among a mosaic of meadows and wooded tracts. Owned by The Poor’s Allotments & Recreation Ground Charities, much of the administration supporting the site is undertaken by the Parish Council in its capacity as sole corporate trustee. The area is being managed for and with the local community to provide a peaceful and recreational and learning environment plus a safe haven for many species of flora and fauna that can be found here. There is access to most parts of the site via a series of permissive paths with boardwalks across the wetter ground and an observation platform by the pond.
The orchard contains a mixed planting of fruit tress , which will be added to, along with the introduction of nut trees.
Although situated on clay, the wildflower area has a variety of nectar-rich flowers which help attract bees and butterflies. Solitary bee posts and underground bumble-bee chambers have been installed to help support the bee population.
The rough grassland and timber habitat piles provide valuable wildlife refuges and in mown areas, look out for slow worms and grass snakes soaking up the sun.
Allotments
The allotments are on three sites; Gladstone Lane, Johnson’s Lane and The Ridge (orchard). There is a mains water supply to two of the sites. For further details or to be added to the short waiting list for an allotment, please contact the Parish Clerk. Please note that priority is given to parishioners.
Rental charges as at April 2024:
- Allotments with water (The Ridge & Gladstone Lane): £35 per year
- Allotments with no water (Johnson’s Lane): £15 per year
- Grazing field 1: £150 per year
- Grazing field 3: £60 per year
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