MEMBERS of the Redditch community will be coming together this weekend for The Abbey Orchard tree planting.

On Sunday 15th January between 11 am and 3pm, volunteers from across the borough will be planting trees on the banks surrounding the Abbey Stadium’s running track.

The Orchard at the site was first planted in 2015 when fruit trees were planted behind the sports pitch.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer are welcome to attend this family friendly event which has been organised by Transition Redditch in conjunction with the Abbey Stadium and Redditch Borough Council.

The orchard is designed to provide free, delicious, local, fruit for local people including apples, pears, quince, plums, damsons, gages and cherries.

The trees have been sourced from a local organic nursery and will provide traditional fruits including local varieties such as the Redditch Doddin apple.

Transition Redditch is a local group dedicated to creating local solutions to the global issues of climate change and the imminent end of cheap oil. They are part of an international movement that promotes a sustainable lifestyle.

The Orchard planting will also decrease the amount of mowing and landscaping needed in the area to encourage the growth of more wildflowers.

Not only does this decrease the amount of money spent on mowing by the council, it also provides a better habitat for wildlife in the area.

A study of just  2.2 hectares of traditional orchard in the Wyre Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Worcestershire found over 1,800 species from plants to fungi and animals.

Cllr Pat Witherspoon, whose portfolio covers leisure and cultural services, said: "I think it is wonderful that we are continuing our work with Transition Redditch on the Abbey Stadium site and hopefully we can create a community space for everyone through the Orchard too. Imagine in years to come when the trees are fully grown, picking apples with friends whilst watching a sporting event. If you’d like to help out, please come along on Sunday."