We will create an orchard at Blossom Barns, growing various fruit trees to establish a vibrant green space. The orchard will be accessible to the public for free through events and open days. Accessible paths will lead to our raised beds and a pumpkin patch. We will plant wildflowers to encourage biodiversity and support the fruit trees. Benches will be available for people to enjoy the space. This project will connect people with fresh local ingredients. The community will benefit from the orchard through pick-your-own fruit days. We will involve wildlife experts to maximize the biodiverse potential of Blossom Barns. People with learning disabilities we support will work with volunteers to choose, plant, and grow the trees, pick the fruit, and make jams and chutneys to sell in the farm shop. This project will offer a community green space for Chelmarsh and surrounding areas; while enabling us to upskill the people we support in orchard management & tree care.

What we'll deliver:

• Create an orchard including accessible paths, fencing and benches
• A wildflower garden
• Additional trees
• Raised beds for growing further produce
• Collaboration with local nature groups including Shropshire Wildlife Trust with future partnership arrangements
• Increased wildlife /biodiversity
• Pick your own fruit days
• Thriving community resource
• Education /learning around planting trees and caring for trees and wildlife
• Improved mental and physical health through encouraging people outdoors, gardening and socialising.

Why it's a great idea:

This project will unite people from diverse backgrounds for a shared purpose, creating a thriving natural community habitat. It's a joint effort with local community and nature groups to develop a vibrant, valuable resource that will grow for years to come. It will teach people with learning disabilities new skills, including horticulture, project management, problem-solving, site planning, and maintenance, showcasing their abilities & highlighting their potential when given opportunities to learn, contribute, and lead. The project promotes healthier lifestyles through physical activities like planting and enhances social skills through teamwork and collaboration. It fosters mental well-being by connecting people with nature. It will boost biodiversity in the area, attracting more wildlife and reducing environmental impact. It will raise awareness of food, nature, the environment, and the “eat what you grow” movement, as well as supporting local produce.

Steps to get it done:

• Training session from Shropshire Wildlife Trust for people we support
• Selecting the orchard trees
• Fencing and accessible paths built
• Building of raised beds
• Planting of our orchard
• Building benches
• Hosting first pick your own fruit day

To help enhance the green space and make it welcoming, we are hoping to build benches with Small Woods's "Build a Bench" programme, these benches will be built by the people we support at Blossom Barns.