A NEW orchard has opened up in Salisbury thanks to the project receiving an “overwhelming” response from the public.

The Kings Coronation Orchard officially opened at the Laverstock Water Meadows on Sunday (June 8).

The orchard became a reality after the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust (DBCT), a group of volunteers that own and manage 64 acres of Laverstock Water Meadows, sent out an appeal last winter for any community groups across Salisbury to get stuck in to plant an orchard in celebration of the crowning of King Charles III.

This call to arms saw a huge response, with the Laverstock Scouts and Cubs praised as having a key role to play in the creation of the orchard.

The Scouts and Cubs not only planted their own tree but also helped others to plant theirs, and they joined volunteers in the digging of a ditch to create a wheelchair-accessible path that leads to the nature discovery and pond dipping platform, created at the same time as the orchard thanks to funding from the Wiltshire Southern Area Board and the parish council.

The community orchard was made possible thanks to funding from Wiltshire Council’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

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Councillor Laura Jones, chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council had the privilege of cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony hosted by trustees and volunteers of the DBCT on Sunday.

This coincided with Open Farm Sunday – an initiative that saw farmers open their gates to the public to showcase the world of farming to the wider public.

Cllr Jones was helped in the ribbon-cutting ceremony by members of the 1st Laverstock Scouts who were also running a stall at the Open Farm Day and joined by representatives from the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection and Emily from TWO Bird Experiences.

Cllr Jones at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Picture: Laverstock & Ford Parish Council

Cllr Jones said: “It’s so lovely to see this orchard already growing and thriving.

“We’re lucky to have so many green spaces in our parish where the community can come together, take care of them, and enjoy nature.

“As both a councillor and a local resident, I’m really thankful to all the community groups who helped bring the King’s Coronation Community Orchard to life, especially with the expert support from Jon Allnutt and the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust.

“I’m excited to see the orchard flourish and hope it brings joy (and fruit!) for years to come.”

The sun and blue skies gave everyone the chance to witness the abundant wildlife across the water meadows.

David Burton Chair, of DBCT said: “We are fortunate that local councils, including Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, so enthusiastically support our work in restoring and managing this open space for, and with the community.

“The grants we and other community groups receive help us work together to create more opportunities for local people to enjoy, explore and learn more about nature.

“If any readers are interested in joining us on the meadows or indoors for evening talks keep an eye on our events and volunteering web pages or look out for our Instagram posts.”

The neighbourhood police team attended the event – and even allowed some lucky young people the chance to sound the siren on the police car.