Community orchard planned for Barnet Playing Fields
Volunteers to begin planting fruit trees at Underhill site early next year.
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Volunteers are set to begin planting a new community orchard in Underhill early next year. The orchard will be located on a section of Barnet Playing Fields, situated between Ark Pioneer Academy and Grasvenor Avenue.
The project, backed by the Orchard Project, also includes the creation of a wildflower meadow along one side of the orchard. Organisers hope to plant up to a dozen mixed fruit trees, including apple, pear, quince, and medlar, in February.
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Political Support for Green Spaces
Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson visited the proposed site and expressed his confidence in the protection of Barnet Playing Fields. He stated, "I am confident there is no chance that Barnet Playing Fields will be built on. Our green spaces are so important to the health and wellbeing of our residents. We need to do all we can to enhance their protection."
Councillor Zahra Beg, the Mayor of Barnet and an Underhill ward councillor, also lent her support to the initiative. She said, "I am proud to be here and support a new community orchard for Underhill. Local residents and children will want to see the planting of the fruit trees, and I am sure they will help take care of the wildflower meadow."
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Addressing Green Belt Concerns
The plans for the orchard come amid local concerns regarding the future of Barnet Playing Fields, particularly following the publication of the London Plan and speculation about potential downgrading of Green Belt land. Barnet councillors representing wards in and around High Barnet have sought to address these concerns.
Councillors have stated that no final decisions have been made regarding the designation of local Green Belt land. They have also clarified that the council has no intention of relinquishing community green spaces for housing development, regardless of any future land status changes.
Daniella Levene, founder of the Community Harvesters project, and Catherine Watling of the Friends of Underhill Green Spaces are involved in the initiative, with hopes to assist in the orchard's maintenance. Sarah Cossom, Orchard Project co-ordinator, noted that the wildflower meadow planting is an initial step to build community interest.
Questions this report answers
+When will the new community orchard be planted?
Volunteers aim to begin planting the fruit trees for the new community orchard in Underhill early next year, with specific hopes for February. This marks the start of the Dollis Valley community orchard initiative.
+Who is supporting the community orchard project?
The project has public support from Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson and Mayor of Barnet Cllr Zahra Beg. The Orchard Project is organising the initiative, with local groups like Friends of Underhill Green Spaces also involved.
+Are Barnet Playing Fields at risk of being used for housing?
Local councillors have stated that community green spaces, including Barnet Playing Fields, will not be relinquished for housing development. They have sought to address concerns about potential downgrading of Green Belt land, assuring residents of continued protection.
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