Waltham on the Wolds community group secures funding for new fruit trees
With the help of the local Beavers, the group will plant a mixture of plums, pears, apples and nut trees.
Pic: Stuart Stanbridge/National Trust/PA Wire
Submitted by The Waltham on the Wolds Biodiversity Group
A Waltham on the Wolds biodiversity group has received funding to plant fruit trees in a new orchard on the grounds of the village playing field.
On Sunday, March 6, the Waltham on the Wolds and Thorpe Arnold Biodiversity group will add five fruit trees to the existing village orchard.
With the help of the local Beavers, the group will plant a mixture of plums, pears, apples and nut trees for the village residents to enjoy in years to come.
Dave Abley, who will administer the spending on behalf of Melton Space, said: "This is the kind of project we were hoping to support.
"The involvement of the local biodiversity group and Scouts is a perfect example of the synergies we hope to develop in local communities.
"I'm sure the trees will be much appreciated and enjoyed by local residents, and I look forward to tasting their apples at our annual apple day event."#
The funding was secured from Melton Space and was provided by the National Lottery Community Fund and IKEA under the 'Places called Home' scheme.
The funding was earmarked for projects that work with local groups to highlight the availability of locally produced food and promote the benefits of interacting with the local environment in community settings.
The Beavers will adopt the trees and learn how to care for fruit trees in the future.
The planting is the latest project organised by the biodiversity group.
Parish Councillor and group organiser Estelle Slegers said: "The group is about to embark on a tree planting plan for both villages in our parish.
"It will support Leicestershire County Council's ambition of planting a tree for every resident in the county.
"We are grateful to the fundraisers for helping us get this project off the ground and are looking forward to tasting the fruits of our labours in years to come."
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