This month we had a fantastic celebrations of orchards in Leeds. Carers from 16 different orchards in the Leeds area enjoy an evening at the best cider pub in the country, which happens to be in the centre of the city.
The night began with the Deputy Leader of the City Council, Lucinda Yeadon, announcing the 9 new Orchard Mentors and presenting them each with a personalised pruning saw and sheath. A few days later they had an induction weekend and are ready to support the growing community orchard movement in the Leeds area.
The renowned orchard and cider writer Pete Brown presented the awards to:
Irene Wilmut (from Killingbeck Community Orchard) for “outstanding volunteering contribution by an individual”.
Bedford Fields Community Forest Garden for “excellent orchard tree care”.
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve for “encouraging bio-diversity in the orchard”.
West Park Fields for “amazing community event”.
Otley Chevin Orchard Project for “rooted in the community”.
Matthew Whittaker (from Wigton Moor) for “involvement of children & young people” jointly with
Carlton Primary School at Ouzlewell Orchard also for “involvement of children & young people”
Winners are each having a short film made about them – so you will see and hear more of the stories in the future.
We could only celebrate a few of the 50+ community orchards in the area. And every community orchard is a victory of sorts.
