6th March 2019 Last Sunday we were greeted at the Orchard by a beautiful rainbow in front of the hills to the north.
It was an ideal day to get down to some serious planting. We put in four gages, a Mirabelle plum (de Nancy), and another Victoria plum – all along the west side of the firing range. Then six of our own grafted apples were planted in the open orchard area – 2 x Ribston Pippin, 1 Jupiter, 1 Ellisons Orange, 1 Jupiter and 1 Howgate Wonder. Then a space on a south facing assault course wall has been planted with another espalier Conference pear. Thanks to the work gang who turned out.
The pear trees are bursting with buds just now. We just hope they don’t get caught by a late frost!
Work Days are held on the first Sunday of (almost) every month from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m.
Regular updates and information on the next Work Day are posted on the Orchard’s Facebook page: 
If you would like to come along, please wear clothing appropriate for all weathers and sturdy boots. There is also a break for lunch so please bring refreshments. Come for the day or drop by for an hour or so – all welcome.
The Community Orchard has only been achieved by the hard work of dedicated volunteers with invaluable support from Allotmenteers. More than 286 volunteers have been involved since March 2010 and the Group hopes that this will increase as more courses and events are held in the Orchard. The Group would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has been and continues to be involved.
If there are any courses that you would like to see run at the Community Orchard please get in touch by e-mailing dimcnab@hotmail.com. or calling Tel. 01764 670967
A short history or the Orchard
The CDT secured funding from Awards for All, LEADER, Perth & Kinross Council and a very generous donation from a couple with connections to the village to fund the creation of the Community Orchard, plant an edible hedge, purchase picnic tables, tools, install a deer grid at the entrance of Cultybraggan Camp, a hen enclosure and for a Shepherd’s Hut with a wood burning stove to be situated in the Orchard itself.
April 2011 – March 2012 saw the consolidation of the work that was undertaken the previous year. The vast majority of the trees survived the winter and have bedded in well.
The Group also organised a well-attended pruning course in December 2011 with the assistance of Apple Tree Man, Andrew Lear.
A second Apple Day was held during Comrie’s first Apple Week in October 2011 in partnership with Bumble Bee Square and with great support from ARCH Network and a number of exchange visitors from Eastern Europe. Mulled cider from the previous Apple Day was provided at the event and went down a treat! Apples were collected from around the village using the Cargo Trikes that the Trust has available as a community resource.
The Group, as part of LEADER funding has purchased nine varieties of willow as a pilot project. The willow will be used for willow weaving, living structures and potentially for the biomass heat network at the Camp. An apple press and crusher has also be purchased for Apple Days (around 21st October) and for loan to other groups and communities.
One of the main tasks for the Group is to manage the Orchard for the benefit of the community of Comrie and the Committee meets regularly to discuss how best to do this. The Group hosts community harvesting or the many fruits and berries, and Apple Days for juice / cider production to generate an income.
The Community Orchard has only been achieved by the hard work of dedicated volunteers with invaluable support from Allotmenteers. More than 286 volunteers have been involved since March 2010 and the Group hopes that this will increase as more courses and events are held in the Orchard. The Group would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has been and continues to be involved.
The Orchard has been part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Tayide LEADER 2007-2013 Programme.
If you would like to volunteer for this working group, please contact the office on 01764 670769 or cdt@comriedevelopmenttrust.org.uk Or complete the email below.
