COMMUNITY ORCHARD
The field at the end of Monks Way, often known as Lomax’s Field, became a community orchard. A small number of ancient pear trees were in the field already and on the 8th March 2025 were joined with another 70 fruit trees. The orchard can now be enjoyed by all residents and, in due course, produce fruit to be sold in the village.
HISTORY OF LOMAX FIELD
The field was owned by a former farmer in the village, Bert Lomax. When he sold his farm over 20 years ago, he kept the field and he and his family have rented it out. However, his descendants decided to sell the land and kindly informed Peopleton Parish Council of their intentions and gave the council the option to bid to buy the land.
2024
Vale Landscape Heritage Trust (VLHT) who buy and manage land in the Vale of Evesham showed an interest in buying this field. The parish council was able to offer some financial assistance to VLHT together with Peopleton Charity Lands enabling the VLHT to negotiate a deal to buy the field.
VLHT will be responsible for the field with help from Peopleton residents. Villagers will have a chance to contribute ideas but VLHT will draw up the plans; they have both the experience and expertise in such projects. Peopleton Parish Council will seek grants to help with the establishment of the orchard and will seek contributions from residents. Other fund-raising will take place as needed.
ABOUT THE VALE HERITAGE TRUST
The new community orchard in Peopleton will be owned and managed by Vale Heritage Landscape Trust. You can find out more about them from their website. As we have written elsewhere, they will manage the orchard in conjunction with villagers and there will be plenty of opportunity for volunteers to help.
Vale Landscape Heritage Trust is a charity based in the beautiful Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire, England. They work with volunteers, funders, farmers and Government to protect and conserve some of the special places in and around the Vale of Evesham and Pershore. The financing of the Trust is clearly utterly critical to it being able to carry out all the good work it is doing. Although a lot of work is done for nothing by volunteers, they need to pay for two full-time employees and both they and the volunteers clearly need equipment to undertake their tasks. Being a Friend will mean that you get their newsletter and you will be welcome to come to any of the events you see advertised. You will find details of how to become a friend on their website.