Orchards, Trees & Orchard Produce

Staffordshire information

Where to Get Help

The Staffordshire Orchard Initiative c/o Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford ST17 0WT, +44(0)1889 880100. SOI are mapping existing orchards and orchard trees, collecting samples for identification and suppporting the establishment of Community Orchards. A county collection of orchard trees is being set up at Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts HQ.

Orchards and Community Orchards to visit

Aldersley Junction, Junction of Staffs & Worcs Canal and Birmingham Canal, Hordern Road, Wolverhampton. A 1-2ha old orchard with standard apple, plum and cherry trees.  The orchard is near the back of a British Waterways picnic area where a canal toll-house and stables once stood dating the remnant orchard to the 19th century although there is thought to have been an orchard here since the late 1700s. Restoration of the orchard and supplementary planting began in the late 1990s by Wildside Volunteers, an independent group that undertakes practical environmental work in and around Wolverhampton. The Community Orchard was established in 2002/3 with help from a People & Places Award. The orchard is used for school events such as treasure hunts and bird-box making. The fruit is collected for eating and for making jam, chutney, wine and cider. Half the land is owned by British Waterways and the other by Wolverhampton City Council. There is full access at all times but there has been problems with the area attracting anti-social activities. Contact: Chris Munton-Evans, Volunteer Organiser, Wildside Activity Centre, Hordern Road, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton WV6 0UA +44(0)1902 572240, info[at]wildsideac.co.uk see www.wildsideac.co.uk