About Us

Ovingham Community Orchard was established in 2018 by a small group of village residents, and has an enthusiastic supporter group. Twenty-four apple trees, all different varieties, have been planted on the former grazing field next to the Village Green and the Allotments. The orchard is open access, the fruits of which will belong to everyone, and which will provide a village focal point, and a relaxing community space for everyone in Ovingham to enjoy. In future there will be social activities on the field, harvesting and pruning events, wassailing, and links with other local groups involved in similar activities.

Children from the village schools and the cub group have been helping to plant the trees, survey the wildlife on the field, and took part in a Logo competition, the winner of which was Daisy Bailey from the Middle School. It is hoped that the orchard field will provide an opportunity for anyone interested get involved and to improve their horticultural and environmental knowledge. There will be chances to join in surveys of the flora, butterflies, insects and birds using the field.

Ovingham Community Orchard is grateful to: The Tree Council for funding the apples trees; Ovingham Parish Council for leasing the land and providing a start-up grant; Stuart Collins for donating money from his coffee business, Upland Roast; Peter Cunliffe of Northumbrian Landscaping Ltd for donating and planting a new hedge. We are also hugely grateful to Northumberland County Council’s Community Chest for part-funding our wonderful oak bench, and to Essity of Low Prudhoe for funding our additional trees planted in November 2019.

Ovingham Community Orchard would also like to thank members of other local orchards, in particular Wylam, Clara Vale and Jesmond Orchards, for their support and practical help. Particular thanks goes to Tom Martin of Wylam Community Orchard for all his enthusiasm and hard work.

More information about the setting up of Ovingham Community Orchard can be found in the Reports below