Residents at Pontardawe housing complex get their hands dirty creating community orchard

Residents in a Pontardawe housing complex have played their part in the creation of a community orchard which will provide fruit for generations to come, whilst also encouraging biodiversity.

Tai Tarian approached the Orchard Project after engaging with residents at one of their over-55 schemes.

Residents got involved planting in plum, apple and pear tree saplings on a grassed area in front of some of the flats, alongside Orchard Project members and with the help of the Tai Tarian neighbourhood team.

Resident Alan Watkins was getting his hands dirty helping put the first group of baby trees in. More will be planted on another location at the complex in the future.
“We suggested the trees should go here and a lot of the flats overlook them.”

His wife Glenys said: “He’ll look after them and hopefully the trees will be left alone here.”

The Orchard Project aims to bring orchards back into communities, and the organisation has already helped Tai Tarian boost tenants’ wellbeing at another Haven scheme at Mozart Court in Sandfields.

Kate Davies from the Orchard Project said trees in community spaces were vital.
“Its been such a marvellous thing to see the residents getting involved. These trees will not only provide nutritious fruit but will encourage biodiversity and pollinators and trees directly improve our wellbeing.”

Kate said it may be a few years before residents are making jam though:
“While these saplings may produce fruit this year, the fruitlets will need to be removed so the energy can go back into the tree. Sacrificing the initial fruit will make the orchard stronger in the long run.”