St Erth’s grassed patch at Vicarage Gate could become a community orchard

A stretch of grass at the top of Vicarage Gate in St Erth could soon be growing apples, pears and quince instead of just being mown. St Erth Parish Council is exploring turning the site into a community orchard, run entirely by volunteers from the parish, and it wants to hear from anyone willing to get involved before the plans go any further.

What the orchard could include

The final planting scheme would be up to the volunteers who take it on, but the council has suggested a mix of fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums, medlar, quince and cherries, alongside areas of wildflower meadow. Further down the line there is potential for extras like a rainwater harvesting system and picnic benches.

Trees and equipment for the project could come from a grant through the Forest for Cornwall Community Fund, which is currently open for applications.

Why the council needs volunteers first

Before anything is planted, the parish council says it needs to know whether there is a strong enough group of people willing to help, not just with planting but with caring for the orchard long term. It is also looking for someone prepared to take the lead in organising that group.

Registering interest now lets the council gauge whether the idea is workable. If enough people come forward, the plan is to move quickly, forming the group and starting to plan how the orchard would be cared for and managed into the future.

How to register interest

Anyone keen to be involved is asked to email the clerk at [email protected] or call 01736 757575, ideally by Friday 4th September, with their name, email address and phone number so the council can make contact.

The council is also asking residents to pass the information on to anyone who might be interested but isn’t on Facebook, with posters going up on noticeboards and in the village shop in the meantime.