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Peacehaven Community Orchard I have been in Peacehaven rather a long time; I am a born and bred Brightonian. This year in my pursuit to get out into the open and help with a Community project, I stumbled upon the Peacehaven Orchard. If you have missed this little gem situated behind the Big Park’s children’s playground, you will be forgiven. Orchards do not establish themselves in a matter of months and, apple trees do not come into maturity for a good 5 or more years. This land is a big challenge with the crazy winds that whip through this open space for a large percentage of the year, so the trees have to be covered with protective netting. Other trees and shrubs have been planted around the orchard to provide a much-needed windbreak. They also give beautiful colours and a lovely feast for the birds and wildlife all year round. As I started working with the team, it opened my eyes to the hard work needed to protect our green spaces from the ever-encroaching building developments. This was what the orchard space looked like before work started. It was the builders yard for the Sewage works.
The orchard covers an area of approximately 5 acres and is home to around 100 apple trees, many of which are Sussex varieties. Brighton Permaculture Trust has provided expertise and training over the years. The orchard is now managed by a group of community volunteers, led by David Seabrook and Sue Griffiths and is well established.
Just some of the beautiful examples of bio-diversity from the area created since the wild flowers were scattered.
During September 2019, voles were becoming a particular problem. They were eating the roots of the young trees; several were lost many more were damaged. The Covid-19 restrictions also put things back for a while in 2020. Throughout 2021 beautiful wildflowers provided vibrant colours and a haven for birds and wildlife.
All-hands Tree Planting Event for January 2022.
Volunteer days are held throughout the year. Anyone is welcome. You take on jobs depending on your level of fitness and ability. So far, I have raked the grass that needed to be removed and put into the shelterbelt to provide a good mulch. I have mended fences damaged from the high winds and sometimes vandals. Weeding is always needed around the trees, and pruning, planting, watering and mulching. The group are always very welcoming and friendly, you do as much or a little as you can manage. I learnt early on that a pair of secateurs and a strong pair of gloves would be my best friend, water and sunblock in the summer and some waterproof clothing in the winter.
see the on-line magazine at www.peacehavendirectory.co.uk or
There will be 100 trees arriving after 10�� January 2022. Community volunteers are needed. No training necessary. See Facebook: Peacehaven Community Orchard for the exact date nearer the time. If you don’t have Facebook, please email info@peacehavendirectory.co.uk and I will let you know.
