By Harry Mottram: A community orchard in south Bath has been targeted by a ‘senseless’ person or people who have cut down four trees in an act of environmental vandalism. Established in 2022 by local residents with help from the council and housing group Curo the triangular green park near Poplar Close and Hazel Grove off Monksdale Road in the Moorfields area of the city has become an integral part of the community encouraging biodiversity and a place to relax. Wildflowers and bulbs have been planted and cared for by residents with the aim of making ‘a hidden orchard.’
Councillor Jess David said the idea to establish the orchard came from local residents, 18 trees were planted with help of local Brownies group. She said: “This is absolutely senseless. They’ve been sawn down very close to the graft union so are unlikely to regrow, I think. It’s a shame that someone has chosen to vandalise part of the orchard as it doesn’t reflect the community’s view of the project. In fact, there are lots of messages of support following this vandalism. Hopefully it will recover and continue to be appreciated by everyone for its benefits to nature and for its beauty.”
Police have been informed and the community have appealed for any information about who was behind the vandalism which is believed to have taken place this week. In the meantime, residents have set up a watch to keep an eye on the orchard checking it every 15 minutes to ensure no more trees are cut down.
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