You may have seen that we are currently fundraising for a community orchard to be planted at our new day opportunity, Blossom Barns.

Blossom Barns is a farm-based day opportunity for adults with learning disabilities. The team are passionate about the farm and the wonderful opportunities they provide to local people.

Alice Blakeman, Development Manager said:

“We are thrilled to receive £18,320 from Shropshire Council as a part of the “Green Spaces and Active Travel Fund” to contribute towards our community orchard at Blossom Barns. This funding puts us even closer to our goal and will support us in creating a thriving natural habitat accessible to the public through events and open days.

The orchard will feature wildflowers planted throughout to encourage biodiversity and support the fruit trees. There will be seated areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the orchard as well as accessible paths to ensure the area is inclusive to everyone.

This project will bring people together for a shared purpose, creating a thriving natural community habitat by attracting more wildlife. It is a collaborative effort with local community, people with learning disabilities and nature groups such as the Shropshire Wildlife Trust to develop a valuable resource that will grow for years to come.

We invite the community to join us in this exciting new project to create a green space that will benefit Chelmarsh and the surrounding areas. Together, we can create a space that promotes learning, well-being, and a deeper connection with nature.”

Sarah Dodds, Feedback and Insight Team leader at Shropshire Council commented:

“Shropshire Council was delighted to see the Blossom Barns project from Bethphage come forward for funding. This project will make a real difference to adults with learning disabilities and their families. Day Opportunities like this allow people to learn new skills, try new experiences, build important friendships and benefit from information and support.

We are able to support the project using funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Th Green Spaces fund is capital funding aimed at improving community green spaces and encouraging people to get outdoors. Work is in partnership with Spacehive, the civic crowdfunding specialists. We recognise that crowdfunding isn’t always easy for volunteers already doing a lot to support their local communities so encourage anyone in a position to support the project to see if they can help.

Financial donations can start at a few pounds– a lot of people giving a small amount will help the project achieve its vision and make a real difference in Chelmarsh and others living further afield in Shropshire.”