On the eastern side of the village near the railway line, another special place has been created in Clara Vale.
The community orchard was established in 2000 as a Millenium project, a plan hatched and led by a group of senior citizens.
There are at at least 15 varieties of apple, chosen for their suitability for the location and soil quality.
Every year, there is at least one ‘Pruning Day’, where volunteers maintain the orchard. Later in the year as the trees bear fruit, Apple Day is held in the Orchard where we press juice, enjoy apple fritters and catch up with friends and neighbours or relax in the Village Hall for homemade cake and hot drinks.
In recent years further trees have been added and today the Orchard is a well established and peaceful place to visit, very pretty when the trees are in blossom or in fruit. The Conservation Group takes responsibility for the maintenance of the Orchard site.
Membership of the orchard is open to all residents of Clara Vale and Stannerford Road. You can join at membermojo.co.uk/clara-orchard.
Clara Vale Conservation Group 