FRUIT FOR ALL
With support from North Ayrshire Council and John Hancox of Scottish Heritage Fruit Trees, Skelmorlie Environment Trust has been successful in securing grant funding for the planting of fruit trees in areas located around Skelmorlie Primary School.
These will mostly be apple but also pear, cherry, plum and quince trees.
As a condition of the Grant funding the tree planning will have to be complete by the end of March so with that in mind we have arranged the following information days.
Information days will take place
Skelmorlie Library: 14th February 2024, 12 noon to 1pm
Skelmorlie Tennis Club: 12th February 2024, 7pm to 8pm
FAQ
Q: Where did the grant funding come from?
A: The Woodland Grant Fund has been established to encourage communities to get involved in the Council’s drive to plant 108,000 trees across the region by 2030. The ambitious target has been set as part of North Ayrshire Council’s determination to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
Q: How were the areas selected?
A: As part of the funding application, we worked with North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Heritage Fruit to identify suitable sites and appropriate varieties to suit the ground conditions. We took into consideration maintaining a good line of sight for people collecting children from school, not obstructing anyone’s view, while also keeping the trees central to the community for easy picking!
Q: How big will the trees be?
A: We are proposing to use semi-dwarf varieties to avoid overshadowing, but also allow easy gathering of fruit. These should be 2-3m depending on how we prune them.
Q: When will the fruit be ready?
A: Our expert advises we may start to bear fruit in as little as 2 years!
Q: Who will manage the fruit trees?
A: Skelmorlie Environment Trust will manage the trees but already have support from other individuals, the school, Scouts and Youth Group.
Q: Who will benefit from the fruit grown?
A: The fruit will be available for all to pick! We will provide some guidelines on the best picking times, and organise community picking days but the fruit is there for all in the community to share.
Sounds wonderful Naomi.
Will pass this onto Brian. Think he may be available on 14th February and I know he would love to help with the planting.
Magic! Would be great to have Brian and his green fingers involved in the project!