A community orchard has been planted in Jackson’s Field in Mansfield.

Youngsters at Asquith Primary School helped Mansfield District Council staff; Coun Andy Sissons, the local ward councillor; and members of the Greenwood Forest community team who, along with the school, helped plan the orchard with the council.

A total of 72 trees and 200 shrubs were planted, including apples, pears, plums, cherries, hazelnuts, mulberries, hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and elder.

The scheme aims to promote a healthier lifestyle among residents, who can enjoy the orchard and pick and use the fruit.

Sean Davies, the council’s arboreal officer, who helped bring the scheme together, said: “People will be able to come and pick all the wonderful organic fruit the trees produce in a few years. We also hope it will encourage wildlife, insects and birds.”

Coun Sissons said: “This is a great scheme. The orchard might look a bit sparse and muddy at the moment, but it will soon start making an impact on this park and enhance the area.

“It will be fantastic resource for local schools and a place for schoolchildren to visit in the future to learn about wildlife. The aim is to have benches there where people can enjoy picnics.”

The project was funded using contributions from new residential developments close to the park.

The trees in Jackson’s Field are the ninth community orchard to be planted in the Mansfield district over the past five years. Other community orchards can be found at: King George V Park, Ravensdale Local Nature Reserve, Forest Road Park, Fisher Lane Park, Mansfield; Teversal Avenue, Pleasley; The Carrs Local Nature Reserve, Warsop; Yeoman Hill Park, Mansfield Woodhouse.

Friends groups help to manage some of the orchards and schools are invited to be involved in the care of the trees.

There are also two independent community orchards in Mansfield Woodhouse managed by Friends Of Millennium Green and St Edmund’s Church.

Pictured are pupils from Asquith Primary School helping plant a community orchard at Jackson’s Field with Mansfield District Council parks development officer Andy Chambers.