A community flagship

On the western edge of Nansledan, Newquay Orchard is a beautiful seven-acre community space for people and nature.

Designed to provide environmental education, employability training and community events, Newquay Orchard is an open green space that welcomes everyone. It brings to life the aims of the Duchy’s sustainability strategy and is part of a network of green spaces throughout the new Nansledan development bridging the old town and the new. Built by the community, for the community, Newquay Orchard provides a place for local people to grow, learn and play in nature. From what was just a patch of neglected land six years ago, the urban greenspace has now flourished into a centre for culture, education and collaboration.

Run by community interest company (CIC) Urban Biodiversity, the aim is simple: to create the best community green space in the UK. They are successfully achieving this by working with local communities to create high-quality, low-impact, environmental urban spaces as a platform for sustainable economic growth.

Visitors can explore the three acres of maturing Cornish apple orchard, picnic in the community field and forage in the forest garden, or amble along the beautiful fruit espalier, see what’s growing in the An Lowarth community grow space and play hide and seek in the woodland walk. Nature lovers will be able to spot bees in the lavender, rabbits hopping along the Cornish stone hedge and might even spy the resident kestrel as she soars high above.

The success of Newquay Orchard, since its inception and initial funding back in January 2015, bears testament to a vibrant community of passionate volunteers. They inspired the site’s slogan ‘built by the community, for the community’. Throughout the past six years Newquay Orchard has worked with over 850 volunteers, bringing people from all walks of life together on common soil. The project gives people the opportunity to share their time and skills. It empowers individuals by teaching them about horticulture
and sustainable living, giving them the chance to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

In 2021 Newquay Orchard also unveiled its new amphitheatre, formed by Cornish stone terraces, which can seat upwards of 500 people. This brand-new venue in Cornwall is one of the county’s biggest seated open-air performance spaces and offers local people the opportunity to experience live music and theatre in an inspiring environment.

NEWQUAY ORCHARD

www.newquayorchard.co.uk