Community orchard to be created in Nairn by Green Hive, Keep Nairn Colourful (KNC) and the Allotments Orchard Group
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A community orchard is being created on a grassy hillock between Nairn cemetery and the Auldearn burn.
Green Hive, Keep Nairn Colourful (KNC) and the Allotments Orchard Group have received permission to plant trees on the open space, which is beside a path leading to riverside from Riverpark and Boath Park.
Des Scholes of the Nairn Allotments Orchard Group, who has already planted saplings grown from cuttings at the Orchard Group’s plot at Sandown Allotments, said: “It’s a perfect place to grow the trees.
“We hope to plant about 20 to 30 trees but some people have indicated they would like to buy a tree to contribute to the project so there may be more. Anyone wanting to contribute just needs to contact us.
“We want to make the planting a community event and all are welcome on the morning of March 26 between 10am and noon.
“Anyone can come along, dig a hole and put in a tree. Or just come along for a blether if you wish. Tree planting is good fun.”
There will be further planting at the end of the year too – the aim is to get quite a few in as part of the Jubilee Year Green Canopy initiative.
Going forward there will be workshops for residents on pruning and other orchard maintenance.
“We’re still looking at other sites for the future and are delighted that the potential developers of Nairn East have indicated that a community orchard will be part of their planning submission.
“We’d like to see all developers include fruit tree plantings in their proposals.”
KNC spokesperson Annie Stewart said: “KNC is delighted to be collaborating with the Orchard Group to get more fruit trees planted around Nairn and looks forward to seeing the new trees being planted at the cemetery brae.”
Nairn BID has donated £200 to the project. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact info@gurnnurn.com
