Apple Bee Community Orchard.
2022 - on going project
Volunteer in the Apple Bee Community Orchard, Saltwell Park, Gateshead
Our orchard was planted three years ago and contains around 80 young fruit trees, mostly different varieties of apple but also pear, plum and crab apple. It was planted for the community to enjoy, to provide fruit for local people and to create a healthy, relaxing environment for current and future generations. The orchard is already part of the nature syllabus for local primary school children who are regular visitors.
WHAT WE DO: light gardening, weeding, pruning, inspecting the trees, planting in our pollinator bed, keeping paths neat – whatever is needed according to the season.
WHEN: We meet on Wednesday mornings from 11-12. No experience or skills are necessary. The work is suitable for all age groups and you can do as much or as little as you like. We have tools, but please bring your own if you prefer and do bring your gardening gloves. We have a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with everyone. Do bring refreshments if you like.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER VOLUNTEERS: The chance to meet like-minded people, enjoy exercise in the fresh air, learn basic gardening skills and make a difference by helping to support nature and create a thriving, sustainable green space for the community.
Please use the 'volunteer in the orchard' button below to contact us if you are interested in joining us, would like to know more or need directions. There’s no need to come every week. We welcome whatever time you can spare!
First raised bed complete.
04th September 2024
During 2024 we expanded the Apple Bee Community Orchard by adding 9 new raised beds.
Today's work in the Orchard has been both productive and satisfying. We have completed and planted the first of our 9 new raised beds. This bed now has herbs planted in it.
If you would like to volunteer and help us in our orchard and raised beds area, please get in touch about volunteering options, or become a full member and support our activities to ensure Saltwell Park is looked after and developed for future generations.
Planting new life in our orchard.
Autumn 2024
During October and November 2024, two eco groups from Brighton Avenue Primary School planted daffodil bulbs, crocus corms, herbs and flowering plants in the raised beds of our orchard. The children learned how to dig the right sized holes and plant them in the soil without disturbing the roots. They will be returning to see how the bulbs and corms have sprouted and how the plants have fared over the winter period.
We would like to thank Scotswood Garden in Benwell for their kind donation of plants that enabled more children to take part.
A young hedgehog foraging in the Orchard was spotted by the children during the October planting session. It was too small to survive the coming winter so the Friends of Saltwell Park rescued it and took it to a local rescue centre where it will be fed and sheltered over the winter and released in a safe place when the weather is warmer.
Tree pruning and maintenance - 22nd January 2025
Thank you to a great team of volunteers who assisted the Friends of Saltwell Park today in our Apple Bee Community Orchard with the essential tasks of tree pruning and also general maintenance.
Learning about nature - March 2025
During early March, a group of pupils from Brighton Avenue Primary School learn about plants and nature in the Apple Bee Community Orchard, Saltwell Park, Gateshead, with volunteers from Friends of Saltwell Park and school teachers.
