Community orchard planned in Molescroft

Molescroft Grange Farm is opening up to the community by providing an orchard space, in which residents will be able to rent a tree and grow their own apples to eat and make juice or cider.

The orchard is set to be planted on 14 December and those interested in the scheme are invited to come along to see what it is all about, and even get their hands dirty with some of the planting.

Although the orchard will start with 75 trees, Tamara Hall, who runs Molescroft Grange Farm, is hoping to have 200 trees consisting of 18 varieties of apple.

She said: "There will be regular visit days for members, such as tree pruning, so it will be ideal for families wanting to get their children outdoors and to learn more about where their food comes from."

There is a similar community orchard in Finland - somewhere Tamara visited as part of research into alternative farming practices in other countries, after she won a scholarship to look at community agriculture projects around the world.

For more details on the community orchard, or to book your space at the planting day, call Tamara on 07909 905233 or email molesfarm@me.com. Vegetable soup and a roll will be provided to all helpers.