The Doorstep Orchard project, funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, aimed to enhance, raise awareness, and promote the use of a recently planted orchard for local residents. It also sought to enable residents of Framwellgate Moor and Newton Hall to enjoy the local natural environment, understand its wildlife, and participate in its conservation efforts.
The project was highly successful. Five local primary schools visited the orchard three times, engaging in wildlife learning and conservation tasks. OASES organized four family events, involving 179 children and 52 adults in school sessions and 44 adults and 86 children in family events.
The conservation efforts included planting 70 additional trees, building 1 bug hotel, creating 2 habitat piles, installing 5 hedgehog homes, constructing 10 bird boxes, and producing 20 bee homes. The community is now more aware of the orchard, its wildlife value, and the free fruits available to them.
Participants gained knowledge about the orchard’s importance for themselves, pollinators, and local wildlife. They acquired hands-on experience in habitat creation and conservation skills, learning when and how to pick fruits and the significance of consuming locally sourced food.
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