New Orchard at Putney Lower Common!
A new orchard has been created on Putney Lower Common during winter 2023. Twelve new fruit trees of different varieties will be planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy and will serve as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary service. The Orchard on Putney Lower Common will be added to the Queens Green Canopy digital map.
The idea to take part in the tree planting initiative was suggested by members of the local community and from there it grew into an orchard. The orchard has been fundraised for by visitors and neighbours of the Common, including residents of the Henry Chester building and congregation members from the Parish of Putney. Thank you so much to everyone who has made a donation - we are so grateful for your support for this special project.
Three cherry trees, three pear trees and six apple trees will form the orchard and the trees have been carefully chosen so that they establish and then thrive in the soil conditions. Beautiful in blossom, the orchard will bring colour in spring and autumn alongside food and habitat for wildlife.
Traditional orchards are listed as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat. They provide a mosaic of habitats that are of immense importance to wildlife as well as providing a visually attractive aspect within the natural landscape. As well as producing spring pollen and nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, fruit trees also provide an important habitat and nectar source for a wide range of other invertebrates.
The trees have been selected based on advice about the soil conditions at Putney Lower Common which are ‘impoverished’. They have also been mulched to conserve water and temperature.
On Sunday 5 March, those who contributed gathered with staff and Conservators on Putney Lower Common to mark the unveiling of the new plaque which celebrates the orchard and explains its background.
You can still sponsor a tree!
Nine of the twelve trees have been sponsered but if you would like to sponsor one of the two remaining trees, or if you’d like to make a contribution to their ongoing care, please visit our JustGiving page: Orchard Donations or contact Fundraising Manager, Maggie, in the Rangers Office: contact Maggie