PUPILS from Ysgol Solfach and Ysgol Dewi Sant are looking forward to the fruits of their labour, after helping to create a new orchard in St Davids.

The school’s eco groups rolled up their sleeves this morning (Thursday), and planted 14 trees in the gardens of Twr y Felin Hotel, which is due to open later this summer.

The activity formed part of the St Davids Community Orchard project, which aims to provide perpetual living food banks for current and future residents of the area.

Twr y Felin has provided the second area of land in the city to support this initiative. The first trees were planted around the picnic area of Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre just over a year ago.

Once up and running, the orchards will produce a variety of organically grown fruits, including apples, pears, plums, cherries and apricots, that can be made available to local people at no charge.

The project aims to ensure that all local families, regardless of income, have access to good, healthy local produce that is uncontaminated and to reduce people’s dependence upon imported goods, processed foods and large national supermarket chains.

Paula Ellis, Group General Manager of Twr y Felin Hotel, said: “We are delighted to support such an innovative community initiative and we look forward to seeing the fruit trees blossom. It’s also wonderful to welcome the pupils from local school eco groups to assist with the planting and develop their gardening skills.”

If you would like to become a member of the St Davids Community Orchard, or if you have any areas of publicly accessible land which would be suitable, please contact Melanie Maloney on 01437 721848 or email maloney.melanie@gmail.com.