Community project at Peckarmans Wood

It has planted five fruit trees in one of our first projects to enhance residential estates as part of the rewilding programme. Residents requested that invasive cherry laurel was removed from an area of native woodland and this was achieved thanks to LWT volunteers. The site was then cleared for woodland whips to be planted to increase the area managed for wildlife and to detain storm water runoff. Specialist Contractors Ana and Edwin from Brimstones Ltd planted hedgerows and a small mixed orchard.

Thanks to Caroline Culpitt of the Orchard Project who provided professional pruning advice so that residents can care for the apple, pear and quince trees. These are dwarf species to enable hand picking and for longer term maintenance. The orchard screens a car park area and will help attract pollinators near the boundary with Sydenham Hill ancient woodland.

Earthmatters will maintain planting for the first year. Each tree will be given a name by local children who will adopt one and water them over summer.

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash