Dr Gabriel Hemery writes …
In 2017, Sylva Foundation created the Wittenhams Community Orchard at the Wood Centre, opposite St Mary’s Church. Its planting was supported by grants, and by sponsors (‘cropsharers’) who elected to have a share in the future produce of the orchard.
Apple Day
Recognising that it would take some time for the trees to produce fruit, a village apple day was initiated where local volunteers could bring along apples collected from their own gardens to be pressed for juice. A range of equipment was purchased including a mascerator and a press. Since then, village apple day has been supported by the Wittenham Warriors, coordinated by Sally Duff. Following Sally’s sterling efforts, the search is now on for a new team of volunteers who would be interested in organising and supporting future village apple days. The event will still be hosted by Sylva Foundation, offering facilities and other forms of support. Apple Day usually takes place on a weekend day in October, usually near National Apple Day (21st October).
Are you interested in keeping this new tradition alive for the village? If so, please contact Christine Howard at Sylva Foundation (christine@sylva.org.uk).
Wittenhams Community Orchard
The planting and management of the orchard over the last eight years has been supported by cropsharers, and an expert local volunteer, Andrew Lea. The team at Sylva are aware that Andrew would like to step back from his duties, but say he is willing to help train any volunteers in tree pruning techniques.
Sylva will be reaching out to existing cropsharers to explore whether some will be willing to take a more active role in tree management from now on. They also want people to know that there are still some cropshares available if anyone else is interested in taking an active share in the orchard’s future produce (estimated to be 50 bottles of juice/cider per cropsharer when fully productive).
If you are interested in becoming an orchard volunteer, or even becoming a cropsharer, please contact Christine Howard at Sylva Foundation (christine@sylva.org.uk).
