Apple Bee Community Orchard,
Saltwell Park, Gateshead
Our orchard was planted in 2022 and contains around 80 young fruit trees, mostly different varieties of apple but also pear, plum and crab apple. It was planted for the community to enjoy, to provide fruit for local people and to create a healthy, relaxing environment for current and future generations. The orchard is already part of the nature syllabus for local primary school children who are regular visitors.
WHAT WE DO: light gardening, weeding, pruning, inspecting the trees, planting in our pollinator bed, keeping paths neat – whatever is needed according to the season.
WHEN: We gather on Wednesday mornings from 11 to 12, depending on the weather. No experience or skills are necessary. The work is suitable for all age groups and you can do as much or as little as you like. We have tools, but please bring your own if you prefer and do bring your gardening gloves. We have a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with everyone. Do bring refreshments if you like.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER VOLUNTEERS: The chance to meet like-minded people, enjoy exercise in the fresh air, learn basic gardening skills and make a difference by helping to support nature and create a thriving, sustainable green space for the community.
Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering with us, would like to know more or need directions. There’s no need to come every week. We welcome whatever time you can spare!
Autumn in the orchard - 12th November 2025
As autumn takes hold in the park and our Apple Bee Community Orchard, a fascinating array of new life emerges.
On the sides of the poplar tree slices that serve as orchard seating, a variety of fungi have taken root.
With the fading of summer foliage and plants, it's always intriguing to witness the arrival of winter's newcomers in the park and orchard.
Discover more about our orchard
Watch this short video, meet Diane and Alice from the Friends of Saltwell Park, discover a little more about who we are and what we do.
Our raised beds are thriving - June 2025
The raised beds in our Apple Bee Community Orchard are currently thriving, providing plenty of pollen for the insects.
Thank you to all our volunteers and school groups for assisting to bring the raised beds to life and helping to improve Saltwell Park for all to enjoy.
Learning about nature. March 2025
During early March, a group of pupils from Brighton Avenue Primary School learn about plants and nature in the Apple Bee Community Orchard, Saltwell Park, Gateshead, with volunteers from Friends of Saltwell Park and school teachers.
Tree pruning and maintenance. 22nd January 2025
Thank you to a great team of volunteers who assisted the Friends of Saltwell Park today in our Apple Bee Community Orchard with the essential tasks of tree pruning and also general maintenance.
Planting new life in our orchard. Autumn 2024
During October and November 2024, two eco groups from Brighton Avenue Primary School planted daffodil bulbs, crocus corms, herbs and flowering plants in the raised beds of our orchard. The children learned how to dig the right sized holes and plant them in the soil without disturbing the roots. They will be returning to see how the bulbs and corms have sprouted and how the plants have fared over the winter period.
We would like to thank Scotswood Garden in Benwell for their kind donation of plants that enabled more children to take part.
A young hedgehog foraging in the Orchard was spotted by the children during the October planting session. It was too small to survive the coming winter so the Friends of Saltwell Park rescued it and took it to a local rescue centre where it will be fed and sheltered over the winter and released in a safe place when the weather is warmer.
First raised bed complete. 04th September 2024
During 2024 we expanded the Apple Bee Community Orchard by adding 9 new raised beds.
Today's work in the Orchard has been both productive and satisfying. We have completed and planted the first of our 9 new raised beds. This bed now has herbs planted in it.
If you would like to volunteer and help us in our orchard and raised beds area, please get in touch about volunteering options, or become a full member and support our activities to ensure Saltwell Park is looked after and developed for future generations.
