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Orchard800 launched at Perth College UHI |
A project for creating community orchards on publicly accessible sites was officially launched on Wed 10 Feb at Perth College UHI.
The Orchard800 project, in conjunction with Perth’s 800th year celebrations in 2010 aims to commemorate the Fair City’s fruit growing heritage by empowering local communities to plant 800 fruit trees on publicly accessible sites. Each tree will symbolise a year of Perth’s history and create community orchards across the City.
The project’s first community orchard planting took place at the Brahan Building Quadrangle, Perth College UHI, as part of the College’s Staff Conference on Sustainability. Susan Bald, Perth College UHI Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development had the honour of planting the first tree to launch the venture.
She said: “This project has real community benefits. As well as underused land being brought into use, there is the added benefit of reconnecting the community with the environment they live in and where food comes from - not to mention the promotion of healthy eating as the fruit becomes ripe in the autumn.”
Fiona Ross, Orchard 800 Steering Committee Treasurer added: “Perthshire’s orchard fruit history was started by monks 800 years ago. By the 19th Century, one Carse of Gowrie orchard, hosted 10,000 trees alone – sadly, only one remains. Orchard800, a non-profit organisation, aims to redress the balance and provide funding for local people to create and nurture their own 21st century orchards.
“And, we’re not alone – fruit lovers across the UK are joining forces to plant community orchards in parks, woodlands, wasteland, and even their own gardens. Their common aim is to enhance their city landscapes and educate people about where the food they eat actually comes from.”
Andrew Lear, Orchard800 Chair commented: “It’s not just about celebrating 800 years of Perth's history, but unlike many other projects it’s also about providing a legacy for the next 800 years.”
Orchard800 aims to source a wide range of fruit trees, and where possible, promote varieties associated with Perthshire – like our very own juicy, cooking apple: the Lass of O’Gowrie; or the dark red, Bloody Ploughman apple, named after a local ploughman was shot for stealing them.
The project will also provide guidance and expertise on the best planting methods and the on-going advice necessary to maintain the trees in the future.