First community orchards planted

The first of three new community orchards have been planted in Honicknowle.

When fully matured the orchards will offer open green spaces for people to enjoy, as well as free fruit to pick. They will also feature a beautiful wildflower meadow within the orchard.

Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “We’re absolutely passionate about making sure people have access to open green spaces and these orchards and their wildflower meadows will offer a beautiful tranquil space for people to enjoy in residential areas. One of the best parts of this whole scheme is the impact we have on our environment, as not only are we creating something for residents to enjoy we are also introducing even more wildflower meadows to the city that will help bees and insects to flourish.”

Over the next week three more orchards will be planted at Central Park and Plympton Pathfields in the partnership between the City Council and Buglife. These orchards will also offer people a unique opportunity to celebrate the life of a family pet by purchasing a five-year memorial plaque on a granite plinth.

The orchard project has been supported by Councillors Mark Lowry, Peter Smith, Dr John Mahoney, Mrs Patricia Nicholson and Martin Leaves, who have all donated money from their community grant funds. Each Plymouth Councillor has an annual grant allocation of £3,500 to fund community activities and projects in their wards. They can combine their grants to fund one or more projects or various community activities, if they wish.

To find out more about green gifts please visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/greengifts