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Isle of Wight Orchard project

Mrs Jill Cowley of Lee Farm, Wellow, has had the wonderful idea of planting orchards to commemorate those who took part and those who died in the First World War.  She would like to ask for the Isle of Wight Local  Councils for support in this initiative to commemorate who died from each Town or Parish on the Island, each year of the Great War, by the planting fruit and nut trees on community land to create Remembrance Orchards.

Orchards would provide a living memorial which will enhance the environment for those who live here and their children. Orchards were a major feature of the English landscapes at the time of the First World War as old OS maps show clearly.  Sadly, they have have declined dramatically.
The creation of Remembrance Orchards will enable communities to work together, and encourage young people to learn about the First World War; to play a part in improving their environment  and learn about fruit growing; to take an active part in the Centenary commemorations.

The local schools will all be involved in First World War commemorations. Hopefully children and their families will join in planting orchard trees, dedicating trees to men whose lives they have researched. In the research process they will learn about the families, jobs and lives of the men who fought: the background, battles and places significant in the Great War; the effect on local communities of lives lost.

Why Orchards?

Orchards are havens for beneficial insects and wildlife, their produce a good source of healthy food ; fruit tree blossom is beautiful and enhances our environment. Planting trees and eating locally grown fruit reduces the carbon footprint of the Island. Learning to plant and care for fruit trees encourages future generations to grow their own food, develop gardening skills, enjoy outdoor work, improve the built environment.

There are apples regarded as Isle of Wight varieties such as Isle of Wight Pippin, Howgate Wonder, Steyne Seedling all raised before 1914 and suited to the Island. The diversity of apples and pears is an important gene bank for future food production.

November, after Remembrance Day, begins the ideal planting time for fruit and nut trees.

Councillors, British Legion representatives and local Scout leaders have expressed interest and a wish to be involved.
Initial indications are encouraging but there is much work to be done in finding suitable land, funding for trees and their maintenance.

Town Councils are asked support this project in the first step - registering interest with the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a partnership between Town Councils across the Island.

Yarmouth Town Council has some experience of creating a Community Orchard and could lead the way on this project.

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