Acocks Green Village in Bloom team have big plans to transform an untidy piece of wasteland in the village to a beautiful Community Orchard for locals to enjoy.  Work has already started with tidying up the site and planning the best trees and plants to make this unloved plot into an appreciated and beneficial greenspace.

volunteers preparing the ground, Mallard Close

Spearheading the project is Acocks Green Village in Bloom volunteer and co-ordinator Fran Lee.  With the help of community grants and volunteers, the space  should be a real asset to the village. The team hope that school children and parents from adjacent Holy Souls School and other locals will take a real interest in the development and progress of the site. The plan is that the fruit trees will be in the ground before March, so that they can establish during the spring and summer. A local organisation called Food Forest Brum have also offered their support.

It’s an exciting project and will add greatly to the Village in Bloom entry for 2013.  Last year, thanks to Fran’s organisation, support from the Acocks Green BID and local businesses and volunteers, Acocks Green Village won a bronze medal in the Urban Category.  With transformations projects such as this our village may win a silver this year! The local Neighbourhood Police Team have also been supporting the project, working with the Youth Forum and offering suggestions for possible community funding.  The team are always looking for more people who can help do a bit of gardening (no experience necessary). Next Sunday at 10am the group will meet at the site and anyone who can spare an hour or two is encouraged to join in and play their part in making a real positive difference to the neighbourhood.  If you would likYe to be involved in this project in some way please contact Fran:  fran.lee47@yahoo.co.uk or turn up on Sunday 9th December at 10am to meet the team and get digging!