The Orchard is a site in Haslingden across from the Adrenaline Centre, that is taken care of by Incredible Edible Rossendale volunteers. Historically the site was on the grounds of Helmcroft House which is no longer standing. But part of the site used to be an orchard on those grounds. According to an informational sign at the site, there is a native hedge situated along one boundary of the area that contains a mix of native species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Field Maple, Dogwood, Wild Privet, Crab Apple, Dog Rose, Holly and Wild Pears. This hedge is currently overrun with nettles as is much of the site. There are 15 or so fruit trees that have been planted in recent years, many have been donated. Incredible Edible Rossendale also have several planters with flowers, herbs, and edibles such as rhubarb, strawberries, and kale. The hope is to uncover what remains of the hedge, control the nettles, work towards rewilding the spaces surrounding the fruit trees with native grasses and wildflowers and create pathways that are wheelchair accessible to eliminate barriers to enjoying the space. Along the pathway we would like to have educational signposts highlighting wildlife and teaching about their importance to the mini-ecosystem of the Orchard as well as how they can help with climate change.

At the start of 2024 we were granted an award of £500 from the Magic Little grant scheme part of local giving. We applied for a grant summer 2023 to help us complete some of the tasks we want to achieve at the Orchard Haslingden such as a purpose built walking path to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs and create paths around the site between the trees.

The orchard started with some volunteer-planted fruit trees and has since had lots of exciting things under way! As far as biodiversity goes, we are keeping track of the species we plant and find at the orchard which you can keep track of on INaturalist if you are interested.

With biodiversity and the environment at the heart of everything we do, wildflowers are so important to our work, especially at the Orchard. We have a border set to prevent the area from being mowed to allow all the insects, flowers and plants thrive!