Community orchard to be created at gateway to South Downs National Park
November 3, 2023
A new community orchard is to be created at the foot of Cissbury Ring, Worthing, as part of a shared plan to nurture the space into a thriving environment for wildlife and visitors.
Thirty five local variety apple and pear trees will be planted at Cissbury Fields to create an orchard where locals can pick free fruit and connect with nature.
It comes after a grant was awarded to Worthing Borough Council by the South Downs Trust.
The introduction of a community orchard forms part of the council’s management plan to renature the site, which has been designed in close partnership with the local community, ecologists and nature groups.
The fields were previously farmed by a tenant, but were reclaimed by the council in 2021 in a mission to support the environment by restoring its chalk grassland – an ecosystem described as Europe’s equivalent of the tropical rainforest.
It’s hoped the community orchard will have a large fenced-off zone with glade-style tree planting, mown and wild areas, as well as natural seating logs to create a secluded picnic area at the entrance to the South Downs.
Wide pathways will remain on the margins of the field to help to ensure walkers can continue accessing the site. Handmade wooden signage will also be created for the orchard entrance and to label each tree species.
Lance Allen, Chair of Findon Valley Residents’ Association, said: “The successful funding for trees is great news and moves the community orchard closer to fruition. The Residents’ Association will be encouraging our local community to become actively involved, for tree planting and into the future.”
There will be plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved with the community orchard, including planting, maintenance and other trained roles to help support the management of the site.
