A fantastic week was had by the many community groups and organisations who joined in the planting of a new heritage orchard as part of National Tree Week.

The trees were planted after the creation of a new path from Manfield to the River Tawd. The Rangers and the Friends of the Tawd organised for groups to come along and plant heritage varieties of fruit trees to turn what was a plain field into a community orchard.  The community will able to come along and pick the fruit from the trees at harvest time.

A new hedge was planted around the outside to define the orchard area and provide cover for wildlife and bulbs were also put into the ground during the planting sessions, which were rounded off with a weekend with activities for the local community.  Everyone battled the weather with smiles on their faces and it was been truly inspiring to see.

Students came from West Lancashire College, Lathom High School, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pontville School and West Lancashire Community High School. There were also children from local primary schools through the SHARES Lancashire’s Pupils Parliament.

Team Tawd volunteers finished the good work with an outstanding work day on Saturday.  Between them they planted 16 fruit trees, 200 hawthorn whips and approx 1500 bulbs planted in the new orchard in just over 2 hours.

An amazing effort on a pretty bleak drizzly December morning.  Thanks everyone for helping to create an amazing legacy for the people of Skelmersdale!

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “I am really pleased to see so much great work being done in our local parks for the benefit of the local community. The Council is ambitious for West Lancashire to have a good quality environment and these projects fit right in with that.

“The Council is also grateful to the friends groups for their hard work in the parks.”

—I think it is important to specifically thank all the students, teachers and volunteers who helped with the orchard creation—-
If you are interested in joining the Friends of Tawd call Paula on (01695) 585144 or email tvp@westlancs.gov.uk