Throughout the year volunteers complete work such as pruning, planting bulbs, cutting the grass and adding habitat for birds and other wildlife. All cuttings from trees, bushes or the grass are added to the top of the dead hedge. This slowly breaks down but serves as a boundary for the orchard and a diverse habitat for invertebrates and small mammals.
The most recent addition to the site is the Community Willow Bed. Stephen Stockbridge at Creative Nature HQ led volunteers to plant living fences and archways and 12 rows of willow that can be harvested each year for the next 20 years.
Eight different varieties of willow have been planted and in the future cuttings can be used for willow crafts, making willow domes, growing canes for climbing vegetables and lots more.
For more information about Crossway Community Orchard, including details of how you can get involved, please contact msfn@peabody.org.uk
