Planting date for new community orchard in Hunstanton

Volunteers will gather next month to plant Hunstanton's new community orchard.

Families, community groups and businesses from the resort have sponsored 60 fruit trees for the project.

They range from apple, pear and cherry to apricot, quince and medlar – with the Blatchford apple first grown in the town by nuseryman Fred Chilvers taking pride of place.

Land has been set aside at the Community Centre, off Avenue Road, for the project.

Work on the site begins at 10.30am on Saturday, February 11. Once the trees are in place, they will be cared for by the newly-formed Friends of Hunstanton Community Orchard.

Hunstanton mayor Carol Bower said: 'The first phase of our orchard is a statement of our belief in a positive future for the town.

'As it grows and develops it will involve the whole community, from planting and nurturing through to the enjoyment of the amenity created.

'I would like to thank, on behalf of the town, all those who have helped with the development of this orchard from the original concept, through funding and sponsorship, to the actual creation of this exciting project.

'In particular we should all be grateful for the vision and commitment of town councillor Kate Dunbar, without whom the orchard would not exist.'

Nest boxes provided by the RSPB have been sited on sycamore trees around the site.

Picnic tables will also be provided for families to enjoy spending time in the orchard.

Trees have been provided by the East of England Apple and Orchard Project, which conserves native varieties.

The orchard will be organic and 10pc of fruit will be left each year for wildlife.