Yardley Gobion Pocket Park      Print This Page Yardley Gobion Pocket Park is an old orchard at the rear of St Leonard's Church. The site is bound by a public footpath linking the High Street with Warren Road and Brownsfield Road. There is evidence that two plum tree species indigenous to Yardley Gobion can be found locally. These species will be encouraged at the site and other old English fruit tree varieties will be planted. Access Point Via a gate from the public footpath off High Street near the Post Office. Rights of Way Public footpath by the side of the Pocket Park (SH4). Suitability There is a surfaced path all through the level site and a kissing gate suitable for wheelchair users. History The site was given to St Leonard's Church as an extension of the churchyard in 1924 by George Claridge Druce in memory of his mother who was a resident of Yardley Gobion. Dr Druce was a botanist of great note, particularly as he published the first flora of Northamptonshire. His definitive work has been used as a basis for a revised Flora published in 1996. The site has been an orchard and allotments, with part left as a small-holding and herb garden. Management Objectives The principal feature of this site is the orchard comprising Walnut, Apple, Plum and Pear; therefore the management objectives reflect this. To save some of the trees in poor condition it is possible to graft cuttings onto new root stock. A new hedgerow of Northamptonshire species has been planted along part of the boundary. The herb garden is being restored and managed to attract butterflies, bees and hoverflies and to provide sensory experience for people with disabilities. The meadow will be developed for wildflowers and grasses. In the middle of the site a unique Amphitheatre has been designed and constructed from natural materials by local volunteers. Special Wildlife Older native varieties of Apple trees, The Harvest (or Wheat) Plum tree. Large Walnut tree, Yardley Plum (traditionally used for making dye), Red Admiral. Contact Details For more information contact Chris Turl on 01908 542 131. back to normal view     Established : 1999 Size : 0.48 acres/0.19 hectares. Location : Yardley Gobion Map District/Borough : South Northamptonshire Grid Reference : Landranger Map No. 152 SP765447 (Main Access). Owned By : Freehold held by Diocese of Peterborough and leased to Yardley Gobion Parish Council. Managed By : Yardley Gobion Pocket Park Group. Partners : Northamptonshire County Council, South Northamptonshire Council, Yardley Gobion Parish Council. Red Admiral