A new community orchard and enhanced green spaces are being planned for Dilton Marsh.
Dilton Marsh Parish Council is making strides to enhance the village’s green spaces which include plans for a community Orchard at Penknapp Road and improvements to existing pollinator corridors.
These initiatives follow the council’s ongoing negotiations with Wiltshire Council regarding the transfer of land and assets, including the potential acquisition of the ‘green’ at Lansdowne Close and Boyers Green triangle near the railway bridge.
At a recent meeting, the Parish Council resolved to proceed with the transfer of the Penknapp Road land. This site will soon be transformed into a community orchard, with grant funding already secured through the Coronation Living Heritage Orchard Grant. Additional funding support is being sought from The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund.
Councillor Jenny Jones, who is leading the orchard project with cllr Dave Leigh and local resident Rob Friths, has assembled a working group to oversee its development. Orchard trees, hedging, and fencing materials have been ordered, and the first phase of works is set to begin on 17th January. The council envisions the orchard as a vibrant and welcoming space for families and the community to enjoy for years to come.
This new project complements the parish council’s well-established pollinator corridors, spearheaded by councillor Suzanne Wickham, Wiltshire councillor for the Ethandune Ward. These corridors have created vital habitats for bees and other pollinators, with seating areas added to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in nature.
“The Council thanks those volunteers who have supported the project and Cllr Wickham for the initiative, her support and for the provision of seeds for these valuable community areas,” a council spokesperson said.
Residents interested in volunteering for the community orchard project or learning more about the council’s green space initiatives are encouraged to get in touch with parish council.
Pictured: Parish councillors Jenny Jones, Angie Gibbs and Penny Williams with village tree warden Lee Trainer and family (Kirsty, Bean and Bud) and local resident Derek Maslin.
