A derelict Manchester orchard was restored to its former glory for the community in record time, thanks to cider makers Bulmers and national charity, The Orchard Project.
As a cider that proudly uses 100% British apples and has a passion for orcharding, Bulmers has worked with The Orchard Project for five years and has now teamed up with 60 Minute Makeover star, Peter Andre, in a race against the clock to restore a rundown urban orchard in Manchester’s Platt Field Park to its former glory – to become a tranquil green space benefitting the local community. Within seven hours, Peter, alongside a team of 35 local volunteers from Bulmers and The Orchard Project, rallied together to plant trees, pave paths, restore signs and remove weeds – in time to hand back the orchard to the community in the evening with a celebration.
No stranger to getting his hands dirty, the singer and television personality has joined forces with Bulmers and orcharding experts The Orchard Project to put a spotlight on the green spaces across the country that are open to everyone. Through the partnership, we want to breathe life into the UK’s forgotten orchards and creating more green space at the heart of communities.
Peter Andre said: “It’s amazing to think that hidden within hundreds of urban communities are orchards similar to this, where people can come together and benefit from a bit of fresh air! It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication and free time from some amazing volunteers alongside a little expert know-how, to provide the local residents with a truly beautiful and environmentally friendly community hub. And by their very nature, orchards grow apples – which can be eaten, made into juice and, of course, cider!”
Eva Stensland, senior brand manager for Bulmers said: “Every single apple that goes into a bottle of Bulmers cider is grown from orchards in Hereford. Our partnership with The Orchard Project allows us to share our passion for orcharding with thousands of people and give them the ability to access green spaces, which are on often on their doorstep. We’ve planted 200 orchards with The Orchard Project working alongside over 3,000 volunteers. It’s been incredible to see people gaining new skills and we’re proud to have opened up so many vibrant green spaces where people can meet and enjoy the great British outdoors.”
Kath Rosen, CEO of The Orchard Project, said: “We hope that through our partnership with Bulmers, we’ll continue to highlight the importance of orchards as community spaces and inspire more people to get outdoors and discover an orchard near them! I’m really proud that this Manchester community now has its very own oasis where people can host community events, chill in the peace and quiet of the surroundings, manage their own sustainable food source, and learn more about the wildlife that thrives in places like these.”