THE Westbrook & Callands Communities group has planted 40 fruit trees along the cycle path to Dallam as part of a new orchard.

A group of enthusiastic volunteers named Friends of Westbrook Community Orchard are working closely with the Land Trust to create the new development.

The Land Trust helped the group with the land and planting, while the original grant was from the Omega Community Fund.

Children from St Philips CE Primary School were present at the official launch to plant the trees and the group hopes to develop it into an outdoor teaching site.

Although the trees will take a few years to bear fruit, the group hopes to establish community events at the site linked to harvesting and environmental issues.

The group also view the orchard as a legacy project for the area.

Alan Guthrie, from the Friends of Westbrook Community Orchard, said: “If children are involved they are more likely to respect the land and because Westbrook is a new town area, I want the legacy to live on by developing orchards such as this.

“We want to work in partnership with people to deliver a lovely area for residents to enjoy.

“We have discussed having seasonal bulb and flower planting, such as gooseberry bushes, so people can help themselves. It’s about making it a community resource with imagination and working together.”

Westbrook & Callands Communities group are also arranging the third Westbrook Big Party on June 15, at Gulliver’s World to help fund further projects.

Mary Doyle, from The Land Trust, added: “As land owners we are very keen to work with community groups and encourage people to be active and involved on the land.”

Throughout this year we are throwing the spotlight on the work of volunteers across Warrington.

If you are inspired to volunteer, speak to Warrington Voluntary Action, who have details of numerous opportunities throughout the town.

For more information call 246880 or visit warringtonva.org.uk.