We would like to establish a community orchard within the parish of Deddington.
A Community Orchard could become a valued addition to village life, improve our natural environment and provide something positive post Covid 19 to bring people together once more.
The Parish Council supports exploring the viability of this project. The project is still in the development stage and it’s important to both the Parish Council and Deddington Environment Network that we engage with those living locally to ensure we gain your support and take on board your views.
Lots more information about the project is available on our Orchard pages here
Speaking on personal capacity, not as PCllr: I’m in favour of an orchard but it has to be in the right place. There are problems with all the options listed and I would recommend further research on sites, e.g. Daeda’s Wood or future housing developments.
Wherever it is, early consultation with the most closely affected is vital. I learnt that over the aborted wind turbine at the Windmill, and more recently over the new children’s play equipment.
Instead of a conventional orchard, we could have orchard hedgerows. Where we have footpaths they could be planted on both sides. We could have numerous locations which is a better way to improve biodiversity and more people would get involved. Different planting locations would suit different species of tree. Also there should be scope for anonymous comments.