Park Estate in Tipton, West Midlands is a newly-refurbished estate of terraced housing, home to Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani groups. TCV was asked to help with environmental improvements, initially to create a community garden. On meeting residents at the community centre, there was little enthusiasm for the idea, mainly because of vandalism. However, residents did want help with their own gardens, and especially with growing fruit and vegetables. The gardens are each about 4m x 20m, back to back but with a path between them. The idea of an ‘urban orchard’ was suggested. Each household that was interested in the scheme could plant two or three fruit trees in their garden. The trees would benefit from the sheltered site and from cross-pollination, and within a few years should ‘green’ the view and create a continuous orchard.
Language differences, as well as friction between the various ethnic groups made the initial approach difficult, although the women’s groups were keen to get involved. There were problems with producing appropriate language editions, but leaflets in English were delivered to each household, and one afternoon and one evening meeting was held in the community centre, with a translator. About 50% of the households agreed to join the scheme.
Common Ground advised in the choice of local varieties of apple, pear and plum. Planting was done over two days, unfortunately in bad weather, which discouraged people from coming out. Herb boxes were also planted. The following autumn, a successful crop was celebrated on Apple Day. One of the residents has become the co-ordinator for the project. Following the example of Park Estate, two other housing blocks in the area have asked to do the same.
