Primrose Hill Orchard, part of the Queens Green Canopy

Abbots Langley Parish Council has received £9,920 from the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, to help mark the Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Council is using its grant to create a fruit orchard at Primrose Hill as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. Starting in November 2022 and spanning 5 years, the Council are planting a handful of fruit trees each year at the far end of Primrose Hill Playing fields. These trees will be nurtured to help them produce fruit that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. The Council will also seed wildflowers in the area and install benches where visitors can sit to enjoy the orchard.

On Wednesday 23rd November 2022, the first planting day took place at the Orchard. After a rainy start, the sun came out and the day was a great success. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst and Councillor Jane Lay began by planting the large Oak tree at the centre of the orchard. Trees were then planted by local school children from Bedmond Academy and Divine Saviour School, AIMs, Sunnyside Rural Trust and Primrose Hill allotment tenants.

Blondel Cluff CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to be supporting communities to prosper and thrive during a celebratory year for the United Kingdom. Thanks to National Lottery players, Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be marked by events and activities across the country, including here in Abbots Langley that bring people together to build friendships and connections. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact this momentous occasion will have on people’s lives.”

The trees planted here will be nurtured to help them produce fruit that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages for years to come.

Residents who would like to sponsor one of our recently planted trees in memory of a loved one, or would like to purchase a memorial bench, please get in touch using the form below, or send an email to info@abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk with the phrase ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ as the subject.