A NEW fruit orchard using 60 local varieties of apple, pear and plum trees has been started at Glou­cestershire Wild­life Trust's Vell Mill nature reserve near Newent.

Over the last 30 years traditional orchards have declined by 67 per cent in the county, and the Trust is calling upon the help of the local community and its supporters to reverse the trend.

Among trees planted last week were apples Jackets and Waistcoats and Lemon Pippin, and Jacob Plum. Some got a traditional splash of cider to help them on their way.

"Not only do orchards provide mouthwatering fruits for us to relish, but they are an ideal place for lesser spotted woodpeckers and mistletoe to thrive, and we are overjoyed to be creating a new orchard for all to enjoy," said Jan Ryder, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's Community Fundraiser.

Many of the trees are being dedicated to individual people: 12 will be planted in recognition of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's past chairmen, and a number will be planted for the local community.