Orchard Network

Acorn Bank

The Full Bloom Festival came to a close on 9th May 2010 at Acorn Bank in Cumbria. With a beautiful view over the Eden Valley, the orchards at Acorn Bank consist of a walled orchard and a wilder 'top orchard' with active bee hives and an avenue of perry pears.

As visitors entered the top orchard they were greeted by the sound of Talis Kimberley's beautiful folk music - among her repertoire are songs of making quince jam and planting an orchard! Once again we were joined by the Global Bee Project, who ran their bee house and wildflower seed activities and the People's Trust For Endangered Species who were on hand to talk about orchard wildlife and introduce the Traditional Orchard Survey. The South Lakeland and North Cumbrian Orchard Groups were there with advice on all aspects of fruit tree care and juicing/pressing equipment. The 'Wild & Fruitful' stall offered tasters of delicious jams and chutneys made form orchard fruits, and people leaving the Natural England stall were adorned with paper flowers and orchard moths!

This time our 'Offering Verses to the Wind' activity took place in the walled herb garden, and all the verses were hung (again, from twisted willow hoops) from a fantastic quince tree right at its' centre. Those who took part at the Renga platform, where the final 12 verses of our Full Bloom Renga were written, were treated to spectacular views as well as a selection of teas and just a drop of cider! Our festival finished with a recital of our completed Full Bloom Renga - all 36 verses celebrating our wonderful orchard heritage.

Links

Global Bee Project

People's Trust for Endangered Species

Natural England

Wild & Fruitful

South Lakeland Orchard Group

Talis Kimberley