Wichelstowe 'The Orchards'

Client David Wilson Homes

Dates June 2024 - July 2024

Project Manager Luke Metcalf

Overview

Keystone’s involvement in this planting project, as the namesake of the estate, aims to enhance local biodiversity and create a sustainable community green space. Located in a developing area, the orchard will feature a wide variety of fruit trees, edible and native hedges providing access to fresh produce and fostering a connection with nature.

Keystone’s involvement included inputting to the planning and executing the planting of the project, ensuring that it meets environmental and community needs. Our expertise helped establish the orchard, and promote the biodiversity and sustainable practices, ultimately enriching the Wichelstowe community.

Challenge

Due to wet weather delays impacting on-site groundworks, our team faced the challenge of planting trees during the summer when high temperatures and rapidly drying soil made establishing young plants difficult. To address this, we sourced trees and shrubs in pots rather than bare root, which added complexity to procurement but ensured immediate planting.
Planting potted stock required larger pits than bare root stock, increasing labour needs beyond the original specification.
After planting, we took extra care to support the trees’ survival and healthy growth, including thorough watering and mulching to retain moisture in the soil. This proactive approach helped the trees establish successfully, even under challenging conditions.

Approach

To execute the project, we followed a structured approach that reflected Keystone’s pragmatic and thoughtful ethos.
Starting with a precise site layout, we used our in-house GIS survey equipment to mark each planting location, ensuring an efficient and ecologically beneficial arrangement.
We sourced and grew potted fruit trees including several cultivated from cuttings from other local orchards, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices and supporting local biodiversity.
During the planting phase, our Norcar and 2.7t excavator were instrumental in augering holes and transporting trees, significantly speeding up the process while ensuring precision in placement.
Following the planting and guarding, we installed a water stand pipe with our Ditchwitch trenching skidsteer and implemented a maintenance plan that included regular watering.
As well as the fruit trees, an edible hedgerow with rabbit proof fencing was planted, mulched and protected.

Outcomes

This project has established a vibrant community green space, enhancing biodiversity and providing fresh fruit for residents.
Ongoing works will include weed treatment and wildflower seeding and later involve expanding the orchard with additional space for allotments. Raised boardwalks and pathways will tie together The Orchards with the Wichelstowe wider development and enable connectivity through green spaces.
The outcomes align with Keystone’s vision of promoting sustainability, fostering a sense of belonging while encouraging residents to actively participate in caring for their communal green area. This initiative will hopefully enrich the environment and strengthen community links with nature.