Great news. The Hertford Heath Community Orchard is about to receive 10 further trees to add to the 15 that we already have!
These trees will all be traditional varieties of plums grown in Hertfordshire including Early, Golden and Late Transparent Gages; a Mallard and a Presidents. These are chosen to crop at different times so giving opportunity to pick and use all the harvest. Apparently one of them is ideal for drying into prunes, just need some sunshine.
A further disused allotment plot along with an adjoining very overgrown triangle of ground area are to be included into the community orchard project, many thanks to the Parish Council for all their work making this possible. A lot of work is needed to prepare the ground for the new trees and Sustainable Hertford Heath is working with Haileybury School to set up a regular Wednesday afternoon session where students can come down and help tackle the brambles and nettles covering the new orchard plot. The first sessions was on Wednesday 25th January and the team made a great start.
Sustainable Hertford Heath was able to buy the plums through a very generous donation from the Rotary Club of Hertfordshire based in Ware. The same club donated 200+ purple crocus bulbs which have been planted around the new apple trees and should begin to show in February/March.
