Charity wants to clear up 'much-loved' orchard

Planting began at Ebley Linear Community Orchard near Stroud in 1994

A Gloucestershire charity has launched an appeal to restore a "much-loved roadside orchard" containing rare apples and pears.

Seventy fruit trees were planted by the county council at Ebley Linear Community Orchard near Stroud in 1994.

Since then the orchard has since fallen into a poor condition. The Stroud Community Land Trust is now looking for volunteers to help tidy it up.

Species growing include Ashmeads Kernel and Gilliflower of Gloucester.

"We surveyed the orchard and identified 55 of the original apple and pear trees which can be saved," said project manager Andy Read.

The mile-long orchard runs alongside the A419 Ebley bypass between Stonehouse and Dudbridge. It lies next to a former railway line, which is now a cycle track.

'Good condition'

The Stroud Community Land Trust will be carrying out the volunteer sessions, which include pruning and clearing, next month.

Mr Read said he wants the work to be completed before 'nesting season' at the end of February.

The charity has secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund to restore the site. The £30,000 grant forms part of network of 30 projects across Stroud that the charity is currently working on.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said: "We have an arrangement with the trust to voluntarily maintain the orchard on our behalf.

"We will continue to work with members of the trust to ensure the site is kept in a good condition for the whole community to enjoy."