Help Ipswich’s traditional orchards project
Ipswich residents are being asked to support a project to bring new life to derelict orchards in Ipswich and to identify sites for planting new ones.
The Great Fruit Tree Hunt was launched by the Borough Council today at the start of Ipswich’s IMPACT Week, which aims to cut carbon emissions and to make Ipswich a greener town.
Councillor Inga Lockington, Environment portfolio-holder, said: “We are asking people to record fruit trees so we can build up a picture of all the varieties we have. It would be exciting if we could re-introduce traditional Suffolk varieties to Ipswich and raise awareness of traditional orchards.”
The Council’s Park Rangers will be working with local schools, allotment-holders, businesses and private land-owners on the project. A recording form is available on the Council’s website www.ipswich.gov.uk/orchard
Ranger Laura Whitfield said: “We would like to know where the fruit trees are, what variety, how big they are and in what condition. We call fruit trees an orchard if there are more than five of them in a group and some trees might be in gardens, parks and hedgerows, others on private land, where the owner’s permission will be needed to make your recordings.”
Issued by the IBC press office