First off, I just want to say a thank you for all the positive feedback I had following last week’s initial blog post featuring my introduction.
I’ve heard nothing but positive things from both volunteers and staff alike. It’s much appreciated, and you can all look forward to more interesting posts in the future, covering all the current goings on from on site at Newquay Community Orchard.
The big news this week for the Orchard is undoubtedly the addition of the new Poly Tunnel. This latest addition to the site is a 13 meter long, 9 meter wide Polyurethane tunnel. The tunnel in its entirety covers a vast space of 117 square meters (if Hetty’s and my maths are correct.)
This addition to the Grow Space will provide the Orchard with a warmer climate in which to grow various fruit and vegetables, as well as giving us a longer growing season. This is due to the convergence of the heat provided by the sun throughout the day. It retains heat and
humidity within the walls and, judging by the the details in the Poly Tunnel information booklet, it is said that on a sunny day there can be as much as 10 degrees difference in temperature at ground level compared to outside. I stood in there myself briefly on
Wednesday morning and the difference in temperature was certainly noticeable.
Among the numerous different things we expect to have growing this year are a variety of Tomatoes, Chillis, Cucumber, Melons, Sweet Potatoes, Basil, Lemongrass, Peas, and Lettuce to name a few. With the potential of introducing additional crops in the future along the
lines of Avocados, Grapes, Bananas etc.
A majority of crops from the Poly Tunnel will become the ingredients in the meals that are soon to be coming from the other new addition to site, the food van.
Those of us who have been on site will be aware that the Orchard has recently procured a former taco van, equipped with cooking and cleaning facilities, that is to be up and running very soon. Some of us volunteers were involved in giving said van a fresh coat of paint, and it has this week received a deep clean, all in preparation for becoming a fully functional on site kitchen. Watch out for more on that to come.
Last week the naming of the van was put to a vote, and as of writing this the name looking set to win is Heart & Soul – Lowarth Kegin, (Cornish for Kitchen Garden.)
Here’s a quote taken from the Newquay Community Orchard Volunteers Facebook page.
“Heart and Soul – Lowarth Kegin. The heart and fuel of the NCO site, working alongside our friends Food for Change and Newquay Soul Food. Lowarth Kegin is the Cornish for Kitchen Garden.”
The new food van is a welcome addition and I am looking forward to tasting some of our very own produce that has been grown, harvested and cooked all on site at the Orchard.
So to round up, it’s been a busy and productive time these past few weeks for all at Newquay Community Orchard, with the Spring Fayre fast approaching on May 18th , plus a vast improvement in the weather, it’s safe to say that spring is officially here!
There’s plenty going on and the changing season has really brought the site to life, so pop down and enjoy the relaxing vibes and lush green space of Newquay Community Orchard.
Hope to see you all on site soon.
Harry – Orchard Blogger/Volunteer.
11/4/2019