Tilling Green was buzzing with action for two days in late January. A big blue van and Rye’s own Community Compost van were spotted dropping off bags and posts and tools and most importantly, trees, at selected bare grassy areas. Residents realised that after months of preparation the day had finally come.
Unfortunately they were not good weather days. Braving the rain and cold, and ably led by Stephan Gehrels from Brighton Permaculture Trust, seven local volunteers plus Jackie Saul Hunt from Rother Voluntary Action planted a variety of twenty fruit trees around the estate.
Digging through heavy clay, pounding posts, dragging bags loaded with compost and wood chips, setting up two tree security systems – our team soon realised this was not “playing in the mud” but a project with a mission, a tough mission but a worthy one.
Thanks to Dan and Donna Lake who fuelled us with teas, coffees, biscuits and cake at the Community Centre daily and, energised by the pleasures gained from planting each tree, we struggled through the miserable weather and succeeded. The twenty trees in the Tiling Green orchard include select varieties of apples, pears, plums, gages, mulberry and walnuts. They will provide food, shade and ambiance for Tilling Green residents for decades to come whilst each tree represents one further step to reducing climate change impacts.
This project was just the first of three Rye community orchards being planted this winter. On February 18 and 19, Brighton Permaculture staff will be leading volunteers to plant 30 fruit trees in Mill Salts, bordering the Tillingham river behind Tillingham Avenue. The following week February 25 and 26 more trees will be planted on the Rye Town Salts at the old pitch and putt field. Everyone in town is invited to help us. You can plant a tree or bring teas and cake or just drop by to watch and cheer us on. We’ll be there 10am-4pm.
These are all community orchards planted for the benefit and enjoyment of Rye residents of the future. Long term maintenance is being undertaken by the newly established Rye Community Orchard Group. If you would like to help with plantings or future maintenance or have questions please email – communitycompostsolutions@gmail.com
Image Credits: Dena Smith-Ellis .
I am perplexed that the planting of trees on Rye Town Salts is happening after no public consultation of whether this is the best use for the land, or have I missed this consultation?