Meadow Orchard Roding Lane South

The pumping station was returned to full working order in 1996, but an area of operational land was not included in the refurbishment. This includes a meadow area where we will create an orchard of 30 mixed variety fruit trees for the benefit of wildlife and for visiting public to enjoy. According to the National Trust and Natural England, orchards are under enormous threat for example 60 per cent of ancient orchards have disappeared since the 1950s and a recent survey by The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species indicates that many of the rest are in decline.
• Create an area of relaxation, access to nature and foraging for park visitors and a teaching resource for local schools.
• Plant 30 specimen fruit trees of appropriate species on medium rootstocks with a heritage link to the Victorian pumping station, creating a community orchard in the meadow
• Create a new habitat for wildlife, particularly birds, bats, bees and butterflies
• Engage volunteers and run a community planting day