Nearly 20 local people turned out last Saturday to plant the latest batch of fruit trees and bushes around Earlston.
Undeterred by the theft of some trees in the autumn, the Orchard Town group gratefully received 12 heritage apple trees from Tweed Valley Fruit Trees Ltd of Innerleithen.
Owner Nick Edwardson said: “I was very sad to hear in December that fruit trees planted by the Earlston Orchard Town project had been stolen and damaged. The group has done a lot of excellent work in recent years to engage the whole community in planting fruit trees and we are delighted to donate these trees, all heritage Scottish cultivars, to help replace their loss.”
These trees – plus 10 Stella cherry ones – were planted along the side of the River Leader. A further 100 fruit bushes were planted alongside the boundary to the park, creating an edible hedge for the future.
Orchard Town co-ordinator Donald McPhillimy said: “This time we are marking the trees with blue paint, which is Earlston’s colour, to make their resale less likely.”
Anyone wishing to help out with the project can contact donald at donald.mcphillimy4@virginmedia.com.