COMMUNITY groups in Wychavon have been given the chance to collect free fruit trees, including one species thought to be extinct.
The apple, pear, plum, damson and cherry trees were made available thanks to the Trees Call to Action Project in a bid to increase canopy coverage across the district’s landscape.
It has been funded through Wychavon’s cut of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the government’s levelling up agenda.
Martin Hussingtree parish council received a dessert apple variety called ‘Martin nonpareil’, which was believed to have been lost until 2012, when a pair of old trees in a cottage garden were discovered.
Walcot Organic Nurseries successfully cultivated the tree and the species has now been saved.
Councillor Beverley Hardman, executive board member for boosting natural capital at Wychavon, said: “Trees have an important role to play in keeping our air clean, preventing flooding and providing valuable habitats for local wildlife and by supporting the Trees Call to Action Project (TCAP), we are responding to the significant climate and biodiversity crises we face.”
The six to eight feet tall plum and damson trees were gifted to local groups to allow the groups to grow the perfect tree for their land.
