A COMMUNITY orchard project run by Colchester Council has seen the authority appeal for suitable locations and community groups to help expand the scheme.

Last year, the council’s woodland and biodiversity project oversaw the launch of one community orchard in Magnolia Field in Greenstead, and another on the land next to Colchester’s Cemetery.

The success has seen the council search for new more sites to plant on throughout the rest of the year, with the authority now urging any community groups to come forward to register their interest.

Successful applications will mean Colchester Council will help fund the orchard and provide the necessary help to set it up before gradually handing over the reigns to the community to look after.

Orchards are seen as an effective way of bringing communities together whilst also providing areas for people to spend time in with one another.

Green party councillor Steph Nissen, the portfolio holder for environment and sustainability described the project as “a terrific idea".

She said: “Whether you are a small community group with some land, a school with room for a small number of trees or a landowner that can accommodate a larger number of trees on land the public can access, please get in touch.”