Fruity addition to Sheldon Country Park
Friends of Sheldon Country Park, local students and residents have helped prune the new fruit trees at Sheldon Country Park’s 26 tree community orchard as part of a free pruning workshop put on by Helping Britain Blossom.
The pruning workshop was Helping Britain Blossom’s second event at Sheldon Country Park as they recently provided fruit trees and helped volunteers to plant a new 11 tree orchard – with cherry, plum, pear and apple trees - next to the farm.
Rob Tilling, Helping Britain Blossom project manager said: “Everyone learned a great deal about pruning. It’s important to come together at this time of year whatever the weather to prune the trees to ensure they bear a decent crop of fruit in the year ahead. The trees in the park have now been left in great condition for the coming season and will supply the community with fruit to enjoy. We all left with a sense of achievement, having enjoyed doing something active in support of a common cause. So all in all, a great day was had by everyone.”
Birmingham City Council’s Head of Parks, Darren Share MBE, said: “It’s great to see our Friends of Parks groups working with partners in the wider community to green up the city and educate people about the joy of growing.
“The park is home to a restored 17th century farm which has Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese and staff demonstrate traditional methods of farming. The addition of 11 new fruit trees will further enrich the experience for visitors and volunteers alike.”
To find out more about events at the Sheldon Country Park community orchard visit helpingbritainblossom.org.uk
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For further media information contact Press and PR Officer Debbie Harrison on 303 4476
For further information about Helping Britain Blossom contact Siobhan FitzPatrick on 07956 542558
Notes to Editors
Helping Britain Blossom - is a partnership between HEINEKEN, The Urban Orchard Project and The Bulmer Foundation, and is creating and restoring over 100 community orchards across Britain by 2017.
Birmingham community orchards - In total seven community orchards are being planted with the support of Helping Britain Blossom across Birmingham this winter.
