An avenue of apple trees outside Gilroy Allotments.
Sign encouraging people to freely enjoy future apple harvests!
Gilroy Allotment site, a thriving community project.
Gilroy Nature Park, a few short steps from the allotments.
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A new avenue of apple trees lines the narrow public footpath which leads from Gilroy Road in West Kirby, Wirral, and passes the Gilroy Road Community Allotments site and the entrance to Gilroy Nature Park. The young trees are of mixed varieties, supported by stout wooden posts, and have been planted on both sides of the path.
There is a large sign, shaped like apple leaves, which declares: "Incredible Edible! When ripe feel free to pick some fruit!" Another 'leaf' on the sign reads: "The apple avenue is an invitation to consider where our food comes from and how we can reduce our food miles, encourage locally grown and and support independent shops." A third 'leaf' reads: "Transition town, West Kirby. Low carbon solutions for a happier, healthier, more resilient community."
It's only about five years ago that the allotment site was a ratty bit of scrub land, covered in brambles, nettles and other weeds. No-one was using the site for anything. Now it's a thriving mini village of sheds, chicken coups and raised vegetable and soft fruit beds, and it looks fabulous. There has been a huge amount of hard work gone into this project. And now they've offered passing people free apples as well!
What a lovely idea! Here's hoping the concept spreads to other places.
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