Last week saw the official opening of the Orchard Trust Smallholding which is an accessible activity day centre. It gave Orchard Trust the opportunity to thank funders and to show exciting upcoming plans and projects.

The site in Lydbrook, Forest of Dean would like to establish itself as the place to go for a day out in the South West for people with learning and or physical disabilities, elderly or people who feel isolated.

Thanks to funding from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Tesco, Awards for All, Summerfield, CLA Charitable Trust and All Churches Grant, the site now has a network of level tarmac paths which are wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to pass comfortably and for those who use a walking aid to be supported from both sides. The paths allow all the paddocks and livestock to be easily reached and link up with the sensory garden and are enhanced by six new benches, three of which are adapted for wheelchairs (paid for by Leeds Building Society and Forest of Dean District Council)

The pathways will also be used for ‘Gentle Country Walks’ which will be hosted by Orchard Trust every third Thursday of the month. These are mainly aimed at people who are living with mobility difficulties who would like to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secure environment.

During the opening day guests took a wander around the paths, stopping to officially open the Wishing Well, which was designed and made by Neil Perkins and carpentry students at Gloucestershire College. The final stop was to open the ‘Morrisons Gazebo’, an outdoor classroom paid for by the Morrisons Foundation.

The smallholding will be having an ‘Open Farm’ day every Thursday 10am-4pm. Please call Phill Hucks in advance on 01594 861359. There is no charge for visiting but a donation in the wishing well would help with running costs.

For more information about Gentle Country Walks contact 01594 861359 or [email protected]