The Grounded Orchardist

I said this year I would visit many orchards, however, for various reasons that sadly hasn’t happened. It is something I would still like to do as it’s very inspiring. It’s good to step back, see a different view and learn from others.

This week I enjoyed a rather lovely few hours at Coton orchard near Cambridge.

It started with this stunning Medlar hedge!…. I’ve never seen a Medlar hedge before!

Then Anna and I went to the orchard. It was amazing, right up my street. Her Dad bought the orchard and Anna is now the owner. It has 60 acres of fruit trees, most are very old but there’s lots of new trees too. A lot of these trees have incredible stories much like in our orchard (although Anna is much better at remembering her stories than I am!) It’s an incredible habitat that has formed over years and is still evolving. Different pockets of biodiversity everywhere, its species rich in Flora and Fauna.

In many ways, it reminded me of my old job, and I felt very at home.

Sadly, Cambridgeshire county council wants to put a bus route through this orchard. Having seen it I can’t quite believe it and it makes no sense…even on a practical level.

There has been a lengthy campaign backed by prominent figures such as Chris Packham, Raymond Blanc, Merlin Sheldrake, David Attenborough. It’s also been backed by numerous wildlife and ecologist groups and Orchardists like myself.

It’s just crazy that you can own some land (a dream of mine) and suddenly someone decides they want a piece and you have to fight for your own land! I really hope it’s good news for Anna and everyone involved, they find out in a couple of months!

I also met the lovely Em and Leo from @bluebarrelcider
And we all enjoyed a chat and drink within the orchard. It really was great to meet you!

I then did a talk to the village garden club on growing fruit trees organically. I have done lots of talks at work but never out of my comfort zone. I’m pleased to say it went well…once we got my tablet working!

For more info on the fight against this bus route see @bonkersbusway @savecotonorchard on Instagram and X.

Thank you Anna and Coton for a lovely evening!