On 1st March, 2014, the first orchard tree was planted in Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard. Ten years on, we celebrate the anniversary of this event with an article looking back on how the BJMO project started and took-off.
Poles for the trees 
A new entrance gate 
Staking the trees
Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard lies on ancient glebe land; a parcel of land owned by the local parish church. The field which the Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard occupies was originally called ‘Winding Field’, presumably because of its shape. It also used to be known as the ‘Quoits Field’, because that is where the village quoits team played. The field had not been cultivated for a long time. As a consequence, it constituted a meadow that is rich in wild flowers.
Ann Stammers describes the move towards Bredfield Parish Council purchasing the land: “The acquisition of this gem of nature as a community amenity began in April 2011 when our Rector, Dave Gardner, was amazed to hear that two parcels of glebe land in Bredfield had ‘For Sale’ notices up. He contacted my husband Stephen Stammers, Church Warden. We both went for an afternoon walk and found the signs on both sides of the Woodbridge Road, just beyond and opposite Chapel Farm. The parcel on the east side was easily visible, but not the parcel on the west side. We tentatively gained access through tall grasses, brambles etc. Inside was an elongated nature paradise. We walked all the way around and were astonished at the variety of bushes and trees around the area and the wealth of flora including orchids. It thronged with butterflies and other insects. Birds were in the hedgerows and there was much evidence of deer night-time resting places around the edges. It was sheltered and secluded from the world.”
When the availability of the glebe land was drawn to the attention of the Parish Council, the Clerk, Karen Bowe, prepared a document for consideration by the Diocese. The document outlined possible community uses for the site and recommended that the land could be used as a community orchard and a wildflower meadow area. Karen arranged a presentation in the village hall by the Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group, advocating the benefits of a community orchard. The glebe land was withdrawn from sale, and the Diocese agreed to allow the Parish Council sufficient time to raise the money required for purchase of the land. Suffolk Wildlife Trust were approached to carry out a requested wildlife survey of the site (with impressive findings).
Erecting the shelter 
Owl nestbox 
Fundraising ceilidh
Under the auspices of Bredfield Parish Council, a committee was formed to oversee fundraising and planning. Fundraising involved a dance, a ceilidh and quiz nights. Local companies were approached for sponsorship grants. Notable funds were provided by Viridor, The Adnams Charity and an Enabling Communities Grant from Suffolk Coastal District Council. The fundraising was successful and the land was purchased. Local residents were provided with an opportunity to sponsor the planting of a fruit tree in the orchard, and this was met with an overwhelming response.
Subsequent months witnessed much activity at the meadow, with most the work carried out by local volunteers: paths were cut, trees were planted (the first on 1st March 2014), an Owl box was placed, a sign and noticeboard were erected, and an entrance gate constructed. Later a shelter was built and a shed purchased. Paul Read from the Suffolk Traditional Orchard Group and Angela Jones from Suffolk Wildlife Trust provided supportive assistance.
In April 2014, Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard won the Suffolk Greenest County Award, in the Landscape and Biodiversity category. Helen Young collected the beautiful plaque at the ceremony at Snape Maltings. The award plaque is currently on display in the Village Shop.
Apply crop today 
Picking the first apples for pressing 
Delicious juice!
Over the following years, the meadow and orchard has been visited and enjoyed by many residents; each looking for a peaceful place to visit and enjoy the wonderful display of flora and fauna that the meadow puts on. Laurie Forsyth, of the Suffolk Flora Preservation Society has described the meadow as “a natural history treasure that has survived into the 21st century”. Additionally, the BJMO Committee has organised several community events over the years. The annual Apple Pressing Day continues to be popular, especially with children. The orchard trees planted ten years ago are now bearing fruit, and some of the apples have been picked and pressed into delicious juice. Long may Bredfield Jubilee Meadow and Orchard continue to thrive!
Much of this article is also available on the Bredfield Village website.
