Despite the cold and drizzle, a successful Big Dig event took place on 16th March in Acocks Green. Volunteers have been digging over this piece of derelict ground since December. The land had been untouched for 50 years and became a local dumping ground for rubbish and litter. After lots of heavy digging work, and getting rid of the couch grass, rubble and rubbish, this forgotten corner of Acocks Green was ready for planting a variety of fruit trees and shrubs.

Volunteers worked together to dig holes and plant damson, cherry, apple, plum and pear trees as well as red and blackcurrant bushes and an unusual edible honeysuckle. The atmosphere was fun and positive and many people came along to help or find out more about the orchard.

Over the months many items have been found buried in the ground, not, unfortunately valuable treasure, but an an array of items that were put on display for locals to view and jokingly called The Acocks Green Hoard!

With the help of the landscaping skills of volunteer Michael, a meandering path with a circular raised bed has become a focal point of the site.  The plan is to stock it with a variety of herbs and attractive edible plants.  A collaboration of local artists also plan to paint a tree-themed mural on the bare brickwall.

The new orchard will play a key part in Acocks Green’s entry to Village in Bloom this year. The work has been kindly supported by many local organisations, including West Midlands Police and Acocks Green Business Improvement District (BID), Food Forest Brum and EH Smith Building Supplies.

If you would like to help with more growing and improvements to Acocks Green click on the Village in Bloom link above to find out more.