Community orchard planted at Thorney Hill recreation ground

A community orchard which will provide villagers with fruit has been planted in the grounds of Thorney Hill community hall.

Led by Lord Willie Manners, a group of volunteers gathered to put the 27 fruit trees into the ground.

He said: “It is a fabulous idea. It is for everyone to enjoy. People can come here and just enjoy the beauty of the trees, but they will also be encouraged to pick the fruit to take home to use.”

The project was undertaken with funding from the Hampshire Forest Partnership. Its representative Liz Keeling also got her hands dirty at the planting.

She said: “The partnership has undertaken to plant a million trees in Hampshire by 2050. We are facing a climate emergency, and trees are a vital part of combating that.

“It is great to see so many people here today getting involved.”

The orchard has been planted on the recreation ground outside the community hall.

Jane Felicity, who hosts meetings and other gatherings at the hall, said: “It is a wonderful asset for the community which is underused.

“I’ve seen it decorated for a wedding reception, and it looks amazing. You can walk from the church to hear so it is a really lovely place to hold one.”

A whole host of children’s activities are put on at the centre for school holidays and it has just been given a £25k grant for a new outdoor play area.

There are also regular community events including games nights and art workshops. On Saturday 19th April there is a family fun day for Easter from midday to 4pm with an Easter egg hunt and children’s entertainers.

For more information email thorneyhillcommunitycentre@gmail.com