How nice would it be if you could pick your own ‘Golden Knob’ next time you went for a walk? I’m talking about fruit trees and orchards of course. Soon there will be a brand new Community Orchard on part of the Old Showfield and the first draft plans can be seen now at the Town Hall.
The town chose to plant fruit trees during the People’s Budget, with the orchard grabbing 81% of the vote. The orchard will be sited to the left of the play equipment as you look up the hill towards Selwood School and will be planted on Apple Day, 21st October. Frome Town Council are now encouraging residents to take a look at the plans, get in touch and share their thoughts.
The initial plan includes the usual fruit such as apples, pears and plums, but also herbs, an olive grove, flowers, bee and bughouses, bird feeders and hedgehog houses as well as areas for people to meet and chat. We’d like to hear your thoughts; especially any suitable names you may have.
Some rare Somerset apple varieties have great names like Oaken Pin, Golden Knob, Old Somerset Russet, Hoary Morning and Beauty of Bath. There are references to orchards in some of our street names like Apple Alley and Orchard Street. The West Country is famous for iconic cider and champagne perry brands; local drinks firm Lilley’s Cider is currently planting over 1,200 fruit trees at land between Packsaddle Way and Cuckoo Lane and there are still a few cider houses in the area too.
You can find out more and see the initial plans and some early name suggestions at www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/orchard-plan-consultation/. All suggestions are welcome at info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk by 4th August. So get your thinking caps on and lets hear your favourite ideas – but no bad apples please.
