A new community orchard has been planted in Rectory Fields, Chew Stoke, following more a year of planning, consultation, and design work.

Volunteers of all ages came together to plant the trees on Sunday, April 13.

Supported by Chew Valley Plants Trees (CVPT) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, a wide range of trees were selected to offer a variety of blossoms and fruits for the visitors to the field, from local heritage varieties as well from further afield.

In late 2023, Chew Valley Plants Trees (CVPT), an organisation aiming to double tree cover in the Chew Valley, published an article in the Chew Valley Gazette inviting villages to express interest in receiving support to establish community orchards.

Chew Stoke Parish Council and Chew Stoke Primary School responded to the initiative and took part in the process, which has now resulted in the planting of a new orchard in Rectory Fields.

The 15 trees include local heritage varieties of pears and apples, but also cherries, plum, damson, greengage and almonds. A merry gang of volunteers of all ages got the trees in the ground on a windy Sunday at the end of March, watering the trees well and putting on guards to protect them in their early years.

Nick Baker, of Chew Stoke Parish Council, said: “It’s great to see ideas turn into reality.”

Ben Moss, of CVPT, said: “We need more trees in our landscape and getting free food from them is an added bonus!

“We’re really glad to be able to transform a part of our well-loved Rectory Fields in to something even more wonderful for the local community.”

CVPT are looking to support other Community Orchards to be created, if you’re interested please email them at [email protected]