Yate Shopping Centre plant new orchard on Yate common
Date Posted:08/03/2016
A new fruit orchard has been planted on Yate Common as part of the plans to build a new cinema-based leisure scheme at Yate Riverside.
The orchard, comprising a variety of 20 fruit trees - apple, pear, cherry, plum and quince - was one of the conditions associated with the Riverside development. An orchard of six trees was cleared to make way for the development and the new orchard replaces the original orchard.
Crestbridge, owners of Yate Shopping Centre and developers of the Yate Riverside scheme, consulted with Yate Town Council who, after local consultation, opted for this site.
Andrew Lowrey, Manager of Yate Shopping Centre which includes Yate Riverside, said: “The planning condition stipulated that we could plant the trees either on the Riverside site or, if not possible, anywhere in the Yate area.
“This seemed the ideal location as there is already a recently planted orchard on the site so this will complement it. In years to come, as the orchard develops it will make the Common an even more attractive area for wildlife and public use.
“Wherever possible we have tried to include local trees hence the Ashmeads Kermal, Beauty of Bath and Blenheim Orange, all of which are eating apple varieties.”
Friends of Yate Common Treasurer, Pat Cotterell: “It’s good news that we have further trees being planted on the Common as they will bring greater wildlife diversity and break-up the current openness.
“The Common is becoming ever more popular with the public as an area for walking and relaxing. Such investment can only help its long-term attractiveness and public interest. We are very grateful to both the Town Council and Crestbridge for this opportunity.”
