Warminster Community Orchard

18/08/2026

Here are some more dull photographs from the Orchard, but hear me out! We have an idea that we try and extend the strip of Knapweed along the length of the central path to increase our pollinator ratio. This is the Common Knapweed (Centaurea Nigra) which, curiously, AI muscles in to say to is invasive - well, go ahead!! This has been scythed and then laid beyond the current plants in the hope that seeds will disperse. The Phacelia that was growing round the monolith at the beginning of the path, has also been scattered amongst the Knapweed. This is a glorious blue pollinator which can frequently be seen in wide margins by fields. Fingers crossed. At the beginning of the year we were offered over 100 plug plants of different wild flowers which were planted in three semi-circles along the path. Not a squeak. Try as we might, to create that careless wildflower meadow look requires more than you think.

28/07/2026

I know it is not a massively interesting image but today I cut the buddleia down and will remove in the autumn. It was originally planted to disguise the bowser but now is hindering what rainfall there might be, as well as debris falling into the container, which risks blocking the tap. Rain is forecast for next week and we have to grab what we can as the new trees are still requiring water in this extended heat.

23/07/2026

I didn't have my phone with me when I watered the trees this morning, but I met sharp-eyed Betty who pointed out there was a wasp's nest in the ground. If you stand near the monolith on your left by the path going up to the three logs, the nest is on the right side of the path. There is a fair hole and a lot of action - just so those canine noses don't get stung.

20/07/2026

Now the meadow has been cut, it suddenly looks bigger! In the far distance you may spot some of the volunteers doing the last summer pruning and fruit thinning tasks. All that is left to do is some scything/strimming around some of the trees. Dates for your diary: the apple pressing equipment has been booked for Saturday, September 26th so we will be a-gathering the crop on Friday 25th. There is allusive rain on the horizon but I think a rain dance is needed for the apples to plump up a bit more. Then relax!

01/07/2026

Who doesn't love a meadow!!

A huge thank you to Emma Hurd for sharing this colourful scene from Kingston Lacy in Dorset - it will be our cover photo throughout July.

We choose this one as it is National Meadows Day on 4 July and we thought it would be a good opportunity to let you know that wildflowers like this are not only pretty, but powerful too.
Wildflower meadows are one of Britain's most diverse habitats, containing up to 40 species in just one square metre.

Let's hear it for the wildflowers! 🌼

30/06/2026

Given that the town has more than it's fair share of developments either in progress or threatened, it is worth being reminded about how wonderful a healthy chalk river actually is. These are taken at the River Test - not that far away - heaving with brown trout. What a sight and truly priceless!

10/06/2026

The Orchard is now beginning to look a bit on the bosky side and there is a nice band of Oxeye Daisies and yellow vetch. Here are the dates for the summer pruning sessions. These are free so just turn up with your own gloves and secateurs. The Red Love apples look so small but they have another three months to grow. However, there is cause for concern on the meadow. The last image is of the Apple Ermine Moth that has moved in the Celt apple tree. Check your own apple trees and for reference, look at https://oxfordclarion.uk/apple-ermine-moth-the-pest-thats-decimating-oxfords-apple-trees-2/ I have to say that the advice from the RHS I find woeful - i.e. tolerate. Of course we won't do anything un-organic. A handful of trees were cleared of the webs and lots of caterpillars. Just need to check the other 89 ...

09/06/2026

Most of you will have seen this either on social media or had it through the door by now. Warminster has considerable pressure to build on virtually all the compass points of the town: Damask Way, Home Farm, Ashley Coombe and Westbury Road. Many put enormous effort into challenging the last attempt by Backhouse who, for some reason, think it is worth another go by increasing the number of houses. Yeates Meadow is part of a well-enjoyed circuit that takes in Smallbrook Lane through to Smallbrook Nature Reserve and the Pleasure Grounds beyond. This will cause irrevocable damage on all the fragile nature systems in this area. I need not mention the increase of traffic which will render tranquil walks a thing of the past. The Planning Application PL/2026/03045 Land off Damask Way is also now live on the Wiltshire Council planning portal so please input your comments and objections there.

04/06/2026

The People’s Emergency Briefing: Community Screening and discussion (Cert 12A)
The Athenaeum, Warminster on Thursday 11th at 7pm. This is a free event but is ticketed so please go to the Athenaeum website to book.

The UK faces a growing climate and nature emergency. This new film from the National Emergency Briefing sets out the risks facing the nation - and the credible, positive responses available - in a clear and accessible account designed for screenings in communities across the UK. Please come and be part of the conversation!

30/05/2026

One of the Orchard volunteers, Matty, is a bit of a cider buff. Last year when the juicing day came round, he made up a batch of the single-pressing of Redlove (bottle on left) and a Mongrel Mix (middle bottle) and I have some of his apple vinegar to try (bottle on right). We decided to finish off the last bit of strimming and raking early evening last week to avoid the heat and the Orchard was a delight with it's balmy grasses.

Once the tasks were done, we did a proper taste testing of Matty's cider, discussing the differences. These have no additives and will change as time goes by, so we were given 'youthful' bottles. Our preferences? Split right down the middle and an enjoyable way of spending time talking at the end of the day.