Unfortunately, lock down due to Covid has curtailed group activities at the orchard, but we have a few new additions (and subtractions). Mike Broadhurst has constructed a splendid new notice board near the gate, so we can keep users and passers-by informed. Our thanks go to him.
In the patch seeded with wild flowers (near the Gooseberries) Yellow Rattle has appeared and this should have the effect of reducing the amount of grass in that area and next year more perennial flowering plants should grow to increase the diversity of plants. We will wait and see!
And a small group of us spent a couple of hours yesterday removing the Ragwort from most of the field. Ragwort is poisonous to animals and by removing it we should get a crop of hay suitable for fodder when the field is cut in a month or so.
Ovingham Community Orchard 