Merkinch nature reserve to be greener - and juicier!

VOLUNTEERS have planted 30 trees including fruit trees in an Inverness public green space.

Caroline Snow, project manager at Merkinch local nature reserve, was joined by a team to carry out the planting, which was made possible with money from Highland Council’s Nature Restoration Fund.

“We planted apple and pear trees around the picnic table area so that people will be able to enjoy the fruit in a few years,” she said.

“We also planted birch, oak, rowan, crab apple, bird cherry and willow in other areas of the reserve to increase biodiversity.

“We’re really pleased to have received this funding and it’s especially timely after losing trees in the recent storms.

“I have a great team of volunteers who spend a lot of time removing litter so this was a cheerful change as we enjoyed our work and also looked forward to the future when the mature trees will be homes to birds and animals as well as creating shade for visitors on sunny days.”

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