A community orchard containing 210 fruit trees has been created in Mansfield to encourage residents to eat more fruit as part of a healthier lifestyle.
Members of Mansfield District Council’s parks team planted 70 pear, 70 apple and 70 plum trees at Ravensdale Local Nature Reserve, off Barringer Road, Mansfield.
The £2,100 project was financed by Section 106 money from building developments. Planned further improvements at the reserve include more litter bins and seating, and improved paths.
The existing ancient woodland, dating to the 1700s, has been extended by planting 7,500 birch, oak and rowan trees.
Coun Philip Shields, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The creation of community orchards is a fantastic initiative. The orchard is a living food bank that will continue to provide fruit for local people for the next 80 to 90 years.”
The Ravensdale orchard was the first planted by the council on open space in the community. An orchard at Carr Bank Park, Mansfield, contains about 70 apple and pear trees.