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Orchards Live - saving orchards in North Devon |
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Exmoor and West Somerset This page is specific to the Exmoor and West Somerset activities of Orchards Live. What is 'Orchards Live' in West Somerset? Orchards Live was established some 10 years ago in North Devon under the auspices of the Dartington Trust, initially as an organisation to prevent orchard losses. It has now become a separate organisation with some 250 members in South West but mainly in Devon. Current Annual Membership fee is £5, for which members receive the Newsletter [published 3 times a year] and a discounted price for courses and events held during the year. Present fees generally £10 per course (£9 for members). Though these course charges are expected to rise, but represent extremely good value and very informative. Michael Gee [Chairman of Orchards Live] writes in Newsletter 41 (June 2008) “Exmoor National Park has historically been the most ‘orcharded’ of any British National Park, and particularly in the Vale of Porlock standard orchards have been a very significant element in the landscape. But as in most parts of the country there was a decline in the acreage of orchards throughout the 20th. Century. For some time Exmoor National Park has recognised the importance of orchards in its plans, - ahead of the recent inclusion of standard orchards in the national Biodiversity Action Plan. But something more is needed to stimulate interest and action. Following a successful application to the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund Orchards Live is now working to extend its activities on Exmoor and West Somerset. It is intended that the Exmoor & West Somerset Group will complement rather than duplicate existing Orchards Live work in North Devon, making the most efficient use of resources. The Autumn and Winter programme will be finalised at a meeting at Carhampton Village Hall at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 28th. August 2008 and new faces are very welcome.” Convenor:Michael Ireland, ‘Upover’, Minehead Road, Porlock,Somerset TA24 8JA 01643 862316 MR SS/894467 Email michael.upover@talk21.com Copyright © 2008 Dartington North Devon Trust |