Dawlish Water Community Orchard

The Orchard has been established to enable local people - and those walking and cycling along the lanes, to have a space in which to walk, play, relax and be part of nature. To recharge their batteries and consider their interactions and relationship to the natural world around us. 

Anyone interested is invited to visit whenever they wish and also to volunteer if they feel able to help in any way. We plant fruit trees during autumn/winter and hope to get a grant to plant a fruit hedge across the whole site. There is some weeding, wildflower planting and pruning  at various times. 

We have projects like a compost toilet, dog loo, vegetable garden and tea-shed in the pipeline. 

It is always handy to have people just taking notice or recording what flowers, insects and birds they see or hear. 

A lot of people in the immediate community and also from Dawlish and further afield have already been involved in setting up the Orchard Project so far. Many have commented on how useful the Orchard has been to them as a place of peace and relaxation, how the natural beauty has soothed them and how much they have enjoyed the wildlife there. Children love the freedom, rolling down the hill, flying kites, or just watching the clouds. 

When the trees get a little more mature there will be harvesting fruit and using it! Maybe workshops in making jams and chutneys, cider, and also crafts like wild weaving. 

The local wildlife has benefited; many of us have seen the local barn owl ghosting his way along the hedge at dusk, several birds of prey have been seen perching - as well as soaring above  - or in the kestrel's case - hovering effortlessly...  A kaleidoscope of butterflies have been seen as well as dragonflies, bees and all sorts of grasshoppers. Allowing the meadow to grow and cutting it only occasionally has given carpets of wildflowers throughout the season. 

If you think you would benefit from some nature nurture - do come and visit. All are welcome. 

Open daylight hours.