Derelict pub site to be transformed into community garden and orchard (From Messenger Newspapers)

Derelict pub site in Sale West to be transformed into community garden and orchard

11:00am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

THE derelict site of a former Sale pub is to be transformed into a community orchard.

Red Rose Forest, Trafford Partnership and Irwell Valley Housing Association have joined forces to plant fruit trees on a plot of land where the Beeches pub once stood on Chepstow Avenue.

Apple, pear, cherry, damson and plum trees will be planted at a community planting day tomorrow (Thursday, March 21).

Members of a community allotment In Sale West and pupils from St Margaret’s Ward Primary School and Woodheys Primary School will all be helping plant the trees between 10am and 3pm.

Since the pub was demolished a community garden has been created on the site and the new orchard will further enhance its value as green oasis for people to use and for recreation and leisure.

Hilary Wood, of Red Rose Forest, said: “Until recently this derelict site was simply remembered as the place where an old pub used to be. Gradually the site is being transformed into a welcoming green space for people to use and enjoy. Now with the addition of this orchard we are making it even more attractive and welcoming.

“Eventually the orchard will provide a source of free and healthy food for local people to pick and enjoy. In just two or three years these trees will begin bearing fruit and hopefully they will be there for years to come.”

Heather Mullins, niehgbourhood manager at Irwell Valley Housing Associaiton said: “We are very excited about working in partnership with local volunteers, and local schools to help improve the appearance of Irwell Valley’s green space. We can’t think of a better way to create ownership with local young people than by involving them in improvements to their neighbourhood.”