Page 14 - Issue 85

MANEA COMMUNITY

ORCHARD

Where Nature Grows and People Belong

Hidden just off Park Road, the Manea ecosystem develop. It’s the kind of slow,
Community Orchard is one of those special seasonal work that rewards patience and
places that reveal their magic slowly. consistency—but also brings enormous
There’s no grand entrance or sign shouting joy.
for attention—just a path, some fruit and
nut trees, picnic benches, all overlooking The orchard is open to everyone for
our fabulous fishing lake and many water outdoor learning, games, nature walks,
birds and their young. But spend an hour and storytelling. It’s a safe, natural setting
here, and you’ll leave feeling lighter. where children can explore, learn, and
connect with the land - and where adults,
This isn’t just a patch of green—it’s a living too, rediscover something they may not
example of what happens when people have known they were missing.
and nature work together. The orchard
is a place for friendship, fresh air, and a But none of this happens by itself. We need
different rhythm of life. more hands, more boots on the ground,
and more voices in the mix.
Over the past few years, a small band of That’s why we’re inviting residents to join
volunteers has brought this space back the Manea Community Orchard Group. You
to life. We’re planting more fruit trees don’t need to be a gardener or a wildlife
and wildlife hedgerows to encourage expert—just someone who cares about
bee-friendly species, adding more nest nature, community, or both. We meet from
boxes for birds and bats, and watching the May to November, alternating Saturdays

and Sundays from 11am to 1pm, and
there’s always a warm welcome. Some
people come every fortnight, some once a
season. Every bit helps.
Our plans for the year ahead include
more bee-friendly planting, extending
hedgerows for hedgehogs, sowing new
wildflower areas, and maintaining and
mulching the fruit trees. We also hope to
add more benches and signage so more
people can learn from and enjoy the space.
There are always new ideas—heritage
apple grafting, bug hotels, composting
projects, or even community juicing days.
But we can only grow as much as our
community supports.

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