ONE of the first trees and fruit bushes were planted at the Berry Hill Community Orchard on Saturday.

Local businessman and Senior Verderer of the Forest of Dean, Bobby Jenkins was invited to do the honours while Scott Baine of the Rewind project shared his expertise.

The recommendation of the trees and bushes came from West Dean Parish Council NDP (Neighbourhood Development Plan), and was funded as part of a £3,000 grant from West Dean Parish Council.

Chairman of Community Orchard, Cllr Tim Gwilliam (Lab, Berry Hill) said: “We must thank Mr Jenkins for attending our ceremonial planting. The community orchard will give residents a chance to enjoy a peaceful and quiet place.

“Next spring we hope to open the heritage section within the orchard which will feature a long lost variety of Forest trees such as Welsh Druid and Brandy Snap. Also local resident and keen historian, John Belcher, plans to design a feature like a bench with a freeminers logo embedded.”

The idea for an orchard, in Nine Wells Road, was suggested by residents during an NDP consultation and the Forestry Commission offered to help too.

Mr Gwilliam said: “We cannot thank the organisations, companies and individuals that have come forward and offered their help. They have been and continue to be brilliant supporters of local initiatives that look to improve our communities.”