The Swanton Novers Community Land Trust were joined by Andrew Savage, Executive Development Director in planting their brand new apple orchard. The orchard is part of the new homes built for people with a connection to the village.
The new fruit trees were purchased from East of England Apples and Orchards Project, a local conservation project.
The development was made possible after local landowner Rt Hon Delaval Astley donated the land. The land was taken under the guardianship of Swanton Novers Community Land Trust which appointed Broadland to build and manage the seven new homes.
Ian Watson, secretary of the Swanton Novers Community land Trust, said,
We are over the moon with the new housing development, St Edmunds Court. From the outset, the Community Land Trust had a vision to create high quality and beautiful homes for the social purpose of long-term affordable rent. Broadland Housing has delivered on this vision, and more.
The Community Orchard was always intended to be a key part of the development. We wanted to create a wonderful community space for the benefit and enjoyment of local parishioners. To connect them to the development and as a gift to thank them for the enthusiasm the village has given to the project.
It is such a joy to have volunteers from the village coming together with Broadland to establish the orchard by planting the many different English an Norfolk local varieties of fruit trees. In time we look forward to it being truly fruitful with many abundant crops. More importantly, it will be a place of quite reflection, peace and sanctuary for many years ahead.
