Give nature a gift this Christmas and help protect
Worcestershire's orchard heritage
Worcestershire County Council is encouraging
residents to help protect a part of our nature heritage this
Christmas by giving local organic fruit trees as gifts.
Worcestershire's once famous orchards have
dramatically reduced in number and as a result some local fruit
varieties have become rare.
The County Council is offering people the
chance to help reverse that trend by offering a variety trees
through its 'Festive Fruit Trees' scheme.
Purchasing a tree will help protect existing
stocks and also provides residents an opportunity to give a unique
present this Yuletide that will make a difference.
Apple, pear and plum trees are all available.
Worcester Pearmain, Tupstones, King Coffee, Hanwell Souring and
Chatley's Kernal apple trees are priced at £14 each. Worcester
Black Pear and Pitmaston Duchess pear are £15.50 each, with Yellow
Pershore and Purple Pershore plum trees available for £16.25
each.
Joanne Barrow, The County Council's
Community Greenspace Officer, said: "With Christmas just a
few weeks away there are many people stuck for ideas for presents,
so why not get a different and unique gift and buy someone an
organic, locally distinctive fruit tree.
"A small gesture like this can go a long way
in helping protect part of Worcestershire's orchard heritage."
The scheme, which started in November, runs
until February for planting in the winter season.
For further information or to purchase a tree,
contact the Worcestershire HUB on 01905 766493, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside
or email communitygreenspace@worcestershire.gov.uk
County Council Countryside staff Laura Pitt
and Joanne Barrow are encouraging residents to give a Fruit Tree as
a gift this Christmas.
