The Southampton Airport Community Fund has made a donation to the Mansbridge Community Orchard for the purchase of apple harvesting and cider making equipment.
Pic: Alan Gibson of the Community Orchard

The orchard, which is close to the airport, is currently badly overgrown, but with several different varieties of eating and cooking apples in it, is set to become an excellent community resource.

Alan Gibson is leading the rejuvenation and commented, “This donation is really going to help transform the orchard. The first job is to prune the trees ready for the new growth in the spring. We’re thrilled to have had the offer of both financial and physical help from the airport, as the orchard’s in a great plane spotting location!”

Lucy Calvert, Marketing & Communications Executive at Southampton Airport, said, “This is exactly the kind of project that the Southampton Airport Community Fund looks to support. Not only have we been able to give financial support, but it provides us with a great opportunity for staff volunteering now, and in the future.”

Use the player below to hear our previous audio interview with Alan, chatting about “the art of urbane foraging” and the orchard in Mansbridge.

Anyone interested in the Mansbridge Community Orchard can contact Alan via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit his blog and community website.

Pic above right: a previous visit to the orchard.