Local groups offered fruit trees to create new orchards

The packs will include apple and pear trees.

Community groups, parish councils and schools are being invited to apply for free packs of fruit trees to plant new orchards.

The packs will include apple and pear trees, stakes and other equipment needed to establish the orchard.

Leicestershire County Council has launched the new community orchards programme as part of its annual free tree scheme.

The trees can be used to create a new orchard for the local community or to help restore an existing orchard.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: "Orchards and trees play a vital role in enriching our ecosystem and improving biodiversity. The new orchards scheme gives community groups the opportunity to make a real difference to our environment and play their part in making Leicestershire a cleaner and greener place to live and work.

"The creation of a number of new orchards throughout the county gives us a unique opportunity to create green spaces that not only provide fresh and healthy produce but also serve as havens for wildlife and a boost to our goal of helping to plant 700,000 trees in Leicestershire."

The trees must be planted on sites which are open to the public and groups must have permission from the landowner to plant the trees. 

The packs will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and will be available for collection during National Tree Week in November.