Community Groups with the help of Justine Greening MP plant trees for the future

The Dover House Estate Residents Association and the Putney Society have worked together to create Putney’s first community orchard. With the costs being shared between the two groups.

On Saturday 2 December, a group of Putney Society, DEHRA, and Roehampton Garden Society members, with Justine Greening MP lending a hand, gathered on the small green half way up Dover House Road (on the east side) to plant the young trees. There are two apples, two pears, one cherry and one medlar - plus an extra apple tree which was a gift from an allotment holder member of the Garden Society. So, seven small fruit trees - all staked, fertilised and ready to flower next spring. The neighbouring residents have promised to water the trees next summer, if we have a dry spell.

It is hoped that Putney’s next community orchard will be planted by the Putney Community Gardeners who work on the Ashburton Estate.

The Putney Society was also involved in the planting of a replacement conifer tree in Wandsworth Park in December. It was to replace an earlier conifer which had been removed
after being severely damaged in a storm a couple of years ago. The new tree, a Cedrus Deodara (Himalayan Cedar, see left), is one of only two conifers in the park. Justine Greening led the planting effort - helped by local school children, organised by the Friends of Wandsworth Park.

The Panel is looking for more opportunities for expenditure from the Society’s Tree Fund. Can you think of a good location for another community orchard? Why not put your proposal on the forum.

January 16, 2018