BITMO has worked with Belle Isle residents and Fruit Works to create four small orchards in Belle Isle – so far. The orchards are 10-12 small trees with fruit like apples, pears and plums. The trees are selected so they will not grow tall, are planted with the help of Fruit Works, so that we know it is done properly and come with cages and mulch to give them the best possible start. Three of the orchards were planted with a small amount of larger trees alongside – 4 hawthorns at Nesfield Walk, 6 oaks at Low Grange View and 6 beech at Belle Isle Circus.
Residents who live near the orchards have volunteered to help by watering them if it is hot and dry in summer and learning to prune them in winter.
We have got funds from the White Rose Forest to pay for them and aim to get funding to plant three more mini orchards this year. Residents in Woodville Square are working with their landlord Leeds Federated to plant an orchard near them, and BITMO is looking for one or two more sites for this winter. Would you like to see a small community orchard near you? Please complete the form below.
