Latest News: November 2011 - Following the circulation of the update letter to all Doynton residents, donations and membership applications have been received from 12 people and £595 has been raised towards the initial expenses - a big thank you to all those that have contributed.
It's likely that that the letter has gone into a lot of people's pending trays so please don't forget that unless we can raise all the funds for the initial expenses, the Community Orchard & Wildflower Meadow project cannot get started. If you've been intending to make a contribution but not yet got round to it, please send your donation and/or application for membership (£10/head) to Sandy Higgins at Hill View, Church Road - cheques should be made payable to Friends of Summers Field Ltd.
Meanwhile, registration of the charitable company is underway and the spring bulbs donated by Golden Valley Trust have all been planted:
October 2011 - Sandy Higgins (937 2612) has kindly agreed to take the chair and has issued a report detailing what's happening. We need some volunteers for bulb planting in the near future so that they will be ready for Spring. Watch this space for details.
The Parish of Doynton has given its overwhelming support to the establishment of a Community Orchard and Wildflower Meadow in the area of Summers Field. Planning for the initiative is still in its infancy but with the support of the community and South Gloucestershire Council, the project should make some significant progress over the summer of 2011.
Many thanks to all who have worked very hard to get the project to this point. The assistance and continued support of the community will be key in ensuring success. To that end, volunteers to assist and support the venture are always welcome.
Summers Field
The underpinning principles of the project are as follows: 
- Must provide outdoor recreational space (from the Parish Plan)
- No permanent structures (from SGC direction)
- Must enhance the existing landscape and local distinctiveness in keeping with its position within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Developed in such a way as to encourage the practical support and ownership of the community in its establishment and longer-term maintenance
- Include short-term goals that meet the immediate aspirations of the community, whilst maintaining a focus on the longer-term benefits of such a venture
- Promote biodiversity in accordance with the National Biodiversity Plan (2007)
- Demonstrate value for money against any grants or investment used in its establishment and subsequent maintenance
Terms are still to be agreed with the council but it is likely that the orchard part of the field will be leased for an initial period of 7 years and the wildflower meadow will be rented on an ongoing annual basis.
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