To celebrate the arrival of spring, a community group is holding a ‘nature day’ in a popular green space.

Langford Community Orchard Group (LCOG) is hosting its free ‘Spring in the Orchard’ event at Langford community orchard, which will include cake, plant and nature stalls, a bird activity trail, wooden frog racing and a sunflower seed planting activity.

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The event will run on Sunday, April 16 from 2pm to 3pm.

Co-chair of Langford Community Orchard Group Marion Beaver said: “Enjoy a wander round, looking at the different flowers in bloom, the creamy white blossoms of the blackthorn and fruit trees, and also keep an eye open for birds inspecting the nest boxes.

“Then, over the coming months people can come and forage for summer and autumn fruits and nuts such as rhubarb, blackcurrants, raspberries, apples, blackberries and hazelnuts in this tranquil green space.”

Ms Beaver has asked that visitors on the day please walk or cycle, as parking is limited.

LCOG was set up by community action group Grassroots Bicester in 2011, to take on the orchard project.

In August 2012, it was given permission by Bicester Town Council to manage the site with ongoing reviews.

The one-acre site was originally farmland with old ridges and furrows still visible which were formed by ploughing with horses.

The main aim of the group now is to increase the variety of wild flowers to attract bees, butterflies, moths and insects important for pollinating the fruit trees.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1