Harlow Council Appoints Greenford for Canons Gate Community Orchard Development

Communications
5 days ago
2 min read

Harlow Council has appointed Greenford to deliver works required to create a Community Orchard on the Canons Gate Allotment site, which has been derelict for some time. The project was identified as a key priority as part of Building Harlow’s Future mission to Renew Our Neighbourhood. The orchard will provide a valuable resource for residents and community groups, promoting environmental sustainability, local food production, and social cohesion.

Eye-level view of young fruit trees planted in a community orchard with a clear sky — Canons Gate Community Orchard plan, by YourPlansUK

Councillor Nicky Purse, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment, said:

“I am delighted that we are moving forward with plans to transform this former allotment into a new Community Orchard which will benefit the local area. The community orchard will be accessible to all residents and will be a great way to bring people together and provide fruit to the local community. It will be a fantastic project to bring new life back to this former allotment site."

Harlow Council’s decision to appoint Greenford reflects their commitment to delivering a well-managed, sustainable project that meets the needs of local residents.

What to Expect from the Development

The development of Canons Gate Community Orchard will take place in several phases:

Site Preparation and Infrastructure

Greenford will begin by preparing the land, which includes cleaning up the overgrown site whilst protecting existing trees and shaping the site levels. We will reroute plumbing infrastructure to accommodate on-site taps, install fencing and gates, and create pathways throughout the site.

Facilities and Planting

The orchard will include benches, public artwork, bird boxes and bee hotels, and an information board. These features will make the orchard welcoming and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and improve biodiversity by encouraging local wildlife to move in. The planting phase will introduce fruit trees such as apples and pears, alongside meadow and hedgerows.

Community Involvement

Workshops and volunteer days will be organised to involve residents in planting and maintaining the orchard. This hands-on approach will foster a sense of ownership and pride in the space. After the site is constructed, Greenford will oversee maintenance of both hard and soft landscaping for a further year. The council intends to work with local community groups and interested parties to encourage community ownership of the site's future management.

Benefits for Harlow Residents

The Canons Gate Community Orchard offers several direct benefits to the people of Harlow:

Health and Wellbeing: Spending time in green spaces has proven mental and physical health benefits. The orchard will provide a peaceful environment for relaxation and exercise.
Education: Schools and community groups can use the orchard as a living classroom to learn about nature, sustainability, and food growing.
Social Connections: The orchard will be a hub for community events, helping to build stronger relationships among neighbours.

Looking Ahead

The appointment of Greenford marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Canons Gate and the local area as a whole. As the orchard grows, it will become a cherished green space that brings environmental, social, and health benefits to the community.