Heritage Fruit Trees Planted On Shalford Common for the Queen’s Green Canopy

Published on: 31 Oct, 2022
Updated on: 2 Nov, 2022

Members of the Friends of Shalford are planting nine heritage fruit trees in a new orchard on the common.

Spokesperson Jan Chapman said: “The project formed part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative created to mark the 2022 platinum jubilee and will serve as a lasting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary service to her country and her people.”

The Mayor of Guildford, Dennis Booth, and other guests at the planting ceremony in the new orchard on Shalford Common.

Jan added the friends group was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Guildford, Dennis Booth, on Saturday, October 29, when he planted a Conference pear tree in the new orchard.

The acting gardens manager at Buckingham Palace, Claire Midgley-Adam, also attended the planting.

Earlier that day, Jon Coe of Great Western Railway planted a Knobby Russet apple tree, and in November children from Shalford Infant School will plant a Queen Cox apple tree.

Jan said: “The Friends of Shalford seeks to support the local community and make good things happen in Shalford and Peasmarsh.

“With the support of Shalford, Chilworth and Peasmarsh Garden Club, we have been working to restore the space since early 2020. Work has included the removal of dead, broken and unsuitable trees, rubbish clearance and restoration of a wooden archway as a seat.

“A new wooden bench was funded by Great Western Railway and a grant from the NISA Making a Difference Locally Fund was used to buy the nine trees for the orchard.

“Valuable support has also been given by the nearby Snooty’s grocery store and Shalford Parish Council.”