In beautiful winter sunshine, George Peter ( welcome great to see you!) and I (Paul Salman) had the pleasure of representing GoodGym Barnet at a wonderfully uplifting community orchard planting day, organised in partnership with The Orchard Project and Earthwatch. It took place in a small, little-known park one of those hidden green spaces that reminds you how many surprises still exist close to home if you’re willing to step slightly off your usual path.

Around 20 people came together, from children to seasoned GoodGym runners, all drawn by the idea of turning an underused space into something vibrant, productive, and shared. Lizzy from The Orchard Project guided us with infectious enthusiasm and crystal-clear explanations not just what to do, but why we were doing it this way. Square holes (not round!) to help roots spread, fungal powder to encourage healthy growth, careful staking, and making sure the graft union sat safely above soil level every detail felt purposeful.

We planted a rich mix of fruit trees and bushes designed to encourage biodiversity and community use for generations. An Apple Discovery, ripening early in August and kept low so children can reach the fruit easily. A beautiful pear tree, tall, long-lived, and potentially standing here for 150 years now that is a legacy. Plums, greengage, Golden Drop (ready in September), plus an edible island of fruiting bushes and herbs, all adding layers of colour, food, and habitat to the park.

Fuelled by an astonishingly generous vegan lunch (so plentiful people were encouraged to take food home), we returned to finish the planting and then gathered for wassailing singing to bless the trees and wish them a strong harvest. We used a traditional song sheet from Hackney Wassailand while I can’t guarantee my singing will help the trees grow, let’s hope it doesn’t do the opposite.

A new green space has been gently nudged into life, with the hope it draws people in, grows food, builds connection, and maybe even inspires more singing next yearafter a fantastic harvest.

if you’d like to visit Freehold Community Centre 9 Alexandra RoadLondonN10 2EY London England N10 2EY GB

Also, if you’d like to do your own orchard singing

https://hackneywassail.org.uk/songsheet/