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© A White 2011
Greener Bognor Network
Rife Community Orchard (with Edible Hedging)
The site for the project is small strip of land to west of Felpham Way, south of Aldingbourne rife and bounded by cricket pitch and
football field. It is currently overgrown scrubland and trees with signs of strangled trees amongst brambles, bindweed and more.
Local people have suggested the site has not been touched for approximately 10 years. Arun District Council own and have
management responsibilities for the area.
A group of members from the Greener Bognor Network have done an initial survey of the site and seeing the potential, plan to
undertake this community orchard project working with the Council and using volunteers to bring the best out of this area for the
benefit of the community and the environment.
The benefits we hope that the orchard will bring include:
•
promoting nature conservation by encouraging wildlife which thrives within orchards and the surrounding hedgerows.
•
highlighting and encourage seasonality of
locally grown produce to the community.
•
making locally grown produce available to the
public, and to create a visual reminder of
traditional rural Sussex.
•
Helping to preserve traditional Sussex and
English heritage fruit varieties by promoting
them to the community.
•
helping enhance the local environment for the
community.
•
working with local primary and secondary
schools to show school children the importance of healthy eating and the natural environment, their wellbeing and
encourage them to respect it by involving them in the creation and development of a local orchard.
•
providing a local community focus around which small outdoor events such as an October 'Apple Day' could be held in
future.
Two Phase Outline Planting Plan
It is intended that the more precise design (tree locations) will be finalised in consultation with Arun District Council but the
overall plan is as follows, to be implemented in at least 2 phases.
Proposals refer to the corresponding outline location/plan maps below showing areas A, B, C & D.
Phase 1
A) Main Orchard: Western area, adjacent to the cricket and recreation field
We propose to expand the existing grassy area by clearing back some of the existing scrub, again retaining existing trees (but
not wholly joining up with area B). This will be the main traditional fruit orchard part of the site. Subject to a survey from a fruit
tree specialist later this month, we propose planting 2 (eating) apple trees, 1 (cooking) apple tree, 2 different types of pear tree
and a traditional plum tree. Reasonable space will need to be left between these trees to ensure there is adequate space for
them to mature. There should be no major pollination issues using mixed varieties as bees will travel at least a mile and there
are likely to be plenty fruit trees in individual gardens across town.
We know that are rabbits in the area so will make provision for the most appropriate protection for the fruit trees to protect them
while they are still young and vulnerable. This will need to be provided per fruit tree rather than screening off the area to enable
the community to make the most of the site.
B) Middle Area, where grass currently meets the scrub (opposite area A)
We propose clearing back some of the overgrown scrub but retaining the existing trees and enhancing around them with further
tree planting; this will be done over two phases. In this (triangular) area of the site we initially propose planting Hazel, blackthorn,
crab apple, elder and dog rose using trees offered by the Woodland Trust in their “wild harvest” tree pack, possibly as small
guilds of trees.
C) North-west corner, adjacent to rife (on the rife side of path and access gate)
With the Councils permission we propose a line of willow is planted on the damp banks of the rife to give some further protection
to the site, and minimise the risk of large objects being dumped in the rife. This could be easily grown on short rotation coppice
and used for willow sculpting or used practically in other parts of the site in future. We already have some of our own grown
weeping willow whips that could be used for this. (I know this is detail but ….. isn‟t weeping variety decorative and not usually
coppiced?)
Phase 2
B) Middle Area, where grass currently meets the scrub (opposite area A)
Following phase 1 clearance of the grown scrub and initial planting, we propose additional planting of more blackthorn plus
damson, bullace, mirabelle, cherry plum and sweet chestnut. There is already a number of elder, hawthorn and hazel growing
on the site that will complement this planting.
D) Eastern Area, adjacent to the road (from pedestrian crossing to rife bridge)
We propose tree planting as focal point at the entrance to the new community orchard. We would like to plant 2 to 3 cherry trees
in this area (possible one a smaller bush variety). It has been noted that this entrance off Felpham way has a footpath, access
gate and many „tracks‟ for bikes and people crossing; the planting must take account of this leaving these accessible. 2 to 3 well
positioned trees should allow enough space for them to grow to full maturity without causing risk or obstruction to the footpaths.
We consider that low-level wooden rails may be needed here to provide additional protection from cyclists and pedestrians.
We hope to provide some signage to advice residents of the plants and their benefits. Whilst the subject of further consultation,
an information board at each (eastern and western) end is thought to be desirable.
Maintenance for both phases
Most traditional orchards are planted in grass but with a circle of bare soil left around the base, for mulching, but the other whips
will be left less formal. The group will continue to maintain and add to the site over time, however Arun District Council has
offered to provide basic ongoing maintenance of potential scrub as appropriate and assistance with tree pruning and care as
required.
Project leader/contact
Jo Brooks
e-mail: jo_b100@hotmail.com
