Community Orchard in Bremhill

Bremzero has been given a 20-year lease to manage an unused plot of land in the centre of Bremhill village. Mark Kyte is the current owner and wishes to see it cleared of brambles and then developed as a community facility.

The land is a fifth of an acre (approximately 15 x 50 metres) and lies next to the Lodowicks open space where the fireworks are held.

Bremzero carried out a local survey over five weeks in late April and May 2025. All houses in Bremhill were leafletted (about 80) and all houses in Lodowicks were additionally visited.

There were 23 completed surveys – a high response rate of about 25%. No objections were raised to the proposal.

The first question asked about the use of the land. There was a clear first choice favourite (10 votes) for an orchard with wildflowers, with a further three votes for orchard trees alone.

There were three votes for indigenous trees, one for a wildflower area (no trees) and one for a seating area. Other suggestions included ‘something for children to play on’, ‘nesting boxes’, ‘a vegetable patch’, ‘a small pond’.

Over half the respondents offered to help with the initial clearance and over a third with ongoing maintenance.

This is a very positive response to the proposal and our thanks to Mark Kyte for making it possible.

Bremzero is now establishing an orchard with wildflowers starting with clearance and planting in the autumn and winter 2025. We will be holding more volunteer days in 2026 – with refreshments as usual.

Our volunteer mornings are on the first Saturday of every month, from 9.30 – 12. Do come along and help create a wonderful new space for the community. It’s a fun activity and all equipment is provided.

Thanks to all who have already contributed to this exciting community project.

For more information or to join the mailing list, contact Tara Castle tara@hazelbury.com, Derek Chase derek1chase@outlook.com