Ealing Transition supports local nature restoration and climate action projects around Ealing. Since their establishment they have inspired and supported many projects. They have established the Lammas Enclosure Community Orchard and other projects including:
- Beeshare community project
- Community Garden at Village Park allotments
- Solar Schools
- Ealing Clothes Repair café
For this article, we feature the Community Orchard in Lammas Enclosure, which is between Walpole Park and Lammas park here google maps Lammas Enclosure.
Lammas Enclosure Re-wilding projects, Lammas Enclosure, W5
Lammas Community Orchard & Wild Play Area was once disused and neglected hard-court tennis courts, has been transformed by nature and Ealing Transition volunteers. The area is a vibrant dense wooded area suitable for many types of wildlife, including children.
The area was overgrown with brambles and full of dangerous waste when in 2011. Ealing Transition asked to take on the management of the area as a community orchard and outdoor play space, having become concerned about the lack of opportunity for children to play in natural settings.
The area is enjoyed by people and nature together. Additionally its heavily used by Forest School group including Forest Buds and local nurseries as an outdoor classroom.
The aim is to maintain the balance between human and natural world needs and to enhance biodiversity, specifically to attract hedgehogs back to an area in which they were once common.
Planting of Orchard trees
In February 2011 local children planted 21 fruit trees in the overgrown tennis courts in the Lammas Enclosure, between Lammas and Walpole Parks. This large area was once all laid out for tennis courts, with the hard surfaces and edging still visible in places. The project was very kindly funded by Ealing & Brentford Consolidated Charities (now Pathways http://www.yourpathways.org.uk) and supported by Ealing Council Parks Department and Rangers.
A tree platform, a large hedge and pond were added to encourage wildlife. The area is a haven for birds, frogs and insects.
Ealing Transition volunteers have also taken on the management of the area, balancing the twin needs of keeping the brambles in check with preserving natural habitats. In 2015 we added ten mature trees at the other end of Lammas Enclosure, including Mulberry, Quince and Medlar.
Edible Garden
The nearby Edible Garden encourages local children to grow and harvest vegetables. Local people are free to help themselves to produce, and take advantage of our ever popular ‘pick of the week’. Initially supported by Postcode Lottery funding 2 raised beds were created in Lammas Enclosure , near the tennis pavilion. They bring growing fruit and herbs within hands reach of small children to enable the experience of seeing and tasting food at source.
Volunteer help is welcome to help manage the balance of the area. There are tasks needed to be done in the orchard and we would love volunteers to help. Please email steering@ealingtransition.org.uk for more details.
About Ealing Transition
Ealing Transition was founded on the principles of Transition Towns movement. Transition towns are grassroot community projects that aim to increase self-sufficiency locally. These projects will reduce the potential effects of peak oil, climate destruction, and economic instability through renewed localization strategies.
Ealing Transition Initiative aims are:
- To spread awareness of climate change and future energy challenges, and motivate people to change accordingly;
- To describe a low energy future and plan how to get there;
- To help build Ealing’s self-reliance in areas such as food, energy, jobs, community and economy
- To act as a focal point / hub for the people of Ealing to exchange ideas and skills.
To find out more and get involved go to www.ealingtransition.org.uk and join Ealing Transition mailing list.
For actions you can do yourself, look at the ActforEaling 10 steps for a greener Ealing.