Partnership plants orchards

BRANDON Hill Park and St John's Burial Ground in Windmill Hill are set to have newly-planted orchard trees in their grounds.

The trees are being planted thanks to a partnership of supportive community groups and TreeBristol – the city council's initiative to plant and nurture more trees in the city.

Fraser Bridgeford, treasurer of Friends of Brandon Hill, with Sophie Morse, 7; Kailan Clarke, 8; Ellis Dorrington, 9; and Amy Parkes, 8, from St George Primary School, Clifton Photograph: Barbara Evripidou BRBE2012 0203C-001_C

At Brandon Hill Park, the tree planting has already started.

In all, 18 fruit trees will be planted, including: apple, pear, plum, quince, mulberry, medlar, cherry, chestnut and hazel.

Council officers will work alongside children from St George Primary School and local volunteers from the Friends of Brandon Hill Park.

On Saturday, the tree planting continued at the St John's Burial Ground.

Volunteers from the Windmill Hill Community Orchard Group will plant nine fruit trees, such as apple, pear, medlar, plum and quince.

"This orchard tree planting is an exciting community and city council joint initiative, which I fully support," said Councillor Gary Hopkins, Bristol's executive member with responsibility for parks.

"The fruit trees will provide additional natural habitats for local wildlife and when in blossom, the trees will attract bees, butterflies and birds."