FAB works with Fife Council to promote fruit growing on Orchard Walk, the group has planted many fruit trees supporting a long tradition of planting fruit trees in this area. There are several veteran pear trees, but these trees have been topped and pruned heavily in the past. The group has grafted from these old pear trees and several of the grafts have taken, these young fruit trees are being looked after by members of the group and will eventually be planted out in Cupar.
FAB holds several events each year along the walk, holding pruning action days in winter, scything events in summer and the group has also renovated the pond beside the orchard. Litter and dog poo are two issues the group has highlighted and in mid winter there is a Wassail in the orchard, this is a magical community event with candles, music and good food.
The fruit in the community orchard is for all to pick and use. The Orchard Walk is a great area for wildlife in town, with kingfisher and otter often being seen there. It is a haven for birds, long tailed tits, bullfinches and moorhens to name but a few. The dawn chorus in spring is very special. During lockdown in 2020 one FAB member created a calendar containing photos of all the wildlife found on the walk. This calendar has raised £1700 for the FAB charity and this money will be used for river projects including tree planting beside the river.
Coast and countryside rangers have supported FAB, leading workshops on pruning and making bird and bat boxes for the orchard walk. We've also had help and advice from members of other community groups in Fife such as Clear from Buckhaven and Strathkiness Community Garden. Recently Fife Council's tree officer has worked with FAB re tree planting on Riverside Walk.
