Nature reserve gets apple trees from leading cider maker
A LEADING cider brand has donated apple trees to aid the restoration of an orchard in a local nature reserve.
Thatchers have donated apple trees to Saltwells Nature Reserve as part of its Community Orchard Project.
Volunteers from the Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve group planted the trees last weekend (March 15) in the nature reserve's old orchard site that had previously remained unmanaged for over 20 years.
The trees planted include a wide range of apple varieties, including the popular eating apple, Katy, and Bramley, a favourite for cooking.
It is part of an ongoing project to bring what was the Old Saltwells House site back into the nature reserve as a community space.
The trees planted include a wide range of apple varieties (Image: Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve) A spokesperson from the Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve group said: 'Planting this small orchard brings the land back to life, increasing biodiversity and providing a snack not just for our human visitors but insects, birds and animals alike.
'This is one more piece in the puzzle to make the area better for people to visit and to enjoy being outdoors in nature, making a difference to people's wellbeing and improving the environment for the long term.'
Fourth generation Thatchers Cider maker, Martin Thatcher, added: 'We are delighted to be donating these apple trees through our Community Orchard Project'.
With the new trees, it is hoped the restored orchard will be a longstanding asset to Saltwells Nature Reserve.
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