OVER the weekend Shane Rattenbury planted what he says will be the first of many trees at the Lyneham food forest.

“TAMS has worked closely with Lyneham residents who were interested in setting up a shared food forest on a small piece of low use public land, and this tree planting is just the first step in realising this goal,” Shane said.

“There has been overwhelming community support to establish the food forest in Lyneham, also known as the Lyneham Commons. A survey of the community found that over 97 per cent of people supported the plan. This high level of support for the Lyneham food forest reflects the growing momentum for community and school gardens, city farms and sustainable gardening in general.

“With all the support and positive feedback from the community, the first tree has now been planted at the site. The community will be planting a variety of trees, including apple, plum, cherry and fig. About 30 fruit and nut trees and other plants will be planted at the Lyneham site over the next couple of years. Tree and plant varieties will be selected for resistance to pests and disease and to suit local conditions.

“The food forest is located behind the Lyneham Primary School, alongside the Sullivans Creek storm water drain and a short walk from the Lyneham shops.

“Volunteers from Friends of Lyneham Commons will set up and maintain the food forest. Educational signage will be used to explain what is being planted, why and how the food forest is working.

“Lyneham residents are invited to participate in the harvest and share the produce through community working bees. I encourage all residents interested in getting involved in the project to visit the TAMS website.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Lyneham Commons food forest grow over the coming years, and I’m looking forward to the community sharing in the social, health and environmental benefits of the project.”