Bridport: Primary school's orchard officially opened

St Mary's Primary School's very own orchard has been officially opened and celebrated, more than a year after it was planted.

The orchard of 16 fruit trees was planted next to the school's edible garden in 2020, but the pandemic has caused a delay to the opening.

Supporters - including Kitson and Trotman solicitors, pupils and parents were invited to the celebration, with homemade lemonade and biscuits.

Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark, unveiled the orchard's beautiful sign made by artist signwriter Jemma Thompson - which included a haiku created by children in Year 5 - who stressed the importance of it.

He said: "As someone who grew up on a farm and has had an allotment for more years than I can remember, I am very aware of the work that goes into the production of the food we consumers expect to appear in our shops, markets and restaurants as if by magic.

"Planting an orchard is an act of faith. It is not to be taken lightly. By planting this orchard, you are investing in a long-term project which the children here will be able to tell their children, grandchildren and perhaps even their great-grandchildren about. A well-maintained orchard is potentially productive for 100 years plus."

Each child there was given a silver tag with their name on it to put on a tree.

The group was entertained by storyteller Martin Maudsley

Sarah Wilberforce, volunteer co-ordinator on behalf of the edible garden team explained that the orchard was due to open on March 25.

Transition Town Bridport and HOME in Bridport helped create the edible garden eight years ago and it continues to provide the school kitchen with fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Sarah said: "There are three organisations - Transition Town Bridport, HOME in Bridport and Opera Circus - which all helped to raise money for this garden to happen and our last project was the orchard. We have been here for about eight years now.

"There was a real concern then, and there certainly is now, that we have climate changes and one of the ways we can stop the climate getting hotter is to plant trees.

"SO many people helped - not just the school which raised more than £400 - but also the town council, the Woodland Trust, Dorset Council, AONB, Kitson and Trotman and a wonderful organisation called Ernest Hecht."

Headteacher Kate Batorska thanked those who helped make the orchard happen and praised gardeners, Emily and Tia.

She said: "This is a legacy for pupils for many, many years to come and as headteacher, there are so many things you want to do but you can't do it all in your own strength, so having people like you and doing everything you do is just incredible, so thank you."

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