REETH COMMUNITY ORCHARD

Just briefly...

In 2002 the Community Orchard  Group launched their ambitious project to restore the old walled garden behind Hudson House, formerly Barclays Bank in Reeth.  This property was saved for the community when Barclays plc agreed to sell the site to Hudson House Ltd, a local community company, for use as a much needed Rural Resource Centre that would give easier access to a variety of essential services.

 

The garden was then derelict and overgrown.  It took many months of sensitive, volunteer labour to bring it back into use as a productive orchard.  When completed it was planned also to provide a secluded location to be used by the people of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale for leisure activities, education, training, special events and exhibitions, and the official Opening finally took place on April 30th 2004.

 

Over the last few years the Reeth Community Orchard Group has been attracting members from the Two Dales, all enthusiastic and ready to work. The Group’s plans have included a community composting scheme and a plant sales area. A ‘Friends of the Orchard’ scheme was also launched.