We are pleased to announce that the Community Orchard & Nature Reserve is now open.
The Parish Council made the following announcement today:
“At the end of last year the Parish Council and Wiltshire Council agreed Heads of Terms on the transfer of approximately an acre of land at the end of Above Hedges to create a Community Orchard and Nature Reserve. The legal process to formally transfer the land to the Parish Council on a 125 year lease continues, we hope this will soon be finalised.
With the opening of the new permissive bridleway between Pitton and Firsdown we have engaged with Wiltshire Council to seek full access to the Community Orchard and Nature Reserve. We are pleased to report that Wiltshire Council have now granted the Parish Council a licence to allow full public access in advance of the legal transfer of the land being completed.
The Parish Council have recently signed a management agreement with Pitton Nature Trust. The charity will maintain the land on behalf of the Parish Council, in doing so they will create a biodiverse community orchard and nature reserve for everyone to enjoy.
Paths have been cut through the site, please keep to these to avoid disturbing the wildlife in the area. Seating areas have been created and a bench will soon be installed.
When the land transfer has been completed there will be an event to celebrate the opening of this new community facility.”
The map below shows the location of the Community Orchard & Nature Reserve and the new permissive bridleway linking Pitton to Firsdown.