Green-fingered primary school pupils in Stevenage have helped plant community orchards for residents to enjoy.
Three orchards have been planted in Peartree Park, Letchmore Park and Bedwell Park, comprising of apple, pear, mulberry, peach, and plum trees.
Pupils from Letchmore Infants and Nursery School, Bedwell Primary School and Peartree Spring Primary School helped to plant the trees.
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Residents can now pick and make use of the fruit, and local schools may visit for outdoor activities.
The trees will have a positive environmental impact, providing habitats for wildlife and "helping to support biodiversity", according to Stevenage Borough Council.
These benefits align with the Queen's Green Canopy initiative, which began as part of Her Late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year.
The orchards have been planted after the town's council put in a successful bid for the Urban Tree Challenge.
This meant that £30,000 was granted so that six orchards can be created across the town.
Three orchards were planted last year at Shephalbury Park, St Nicholas Park and Raleigh Crescent.
Cllr Simon Speller said: "Community orchards offer an excellent place for people to relax, work and learn in.
"They are a way of reviving an interest in traditional horticultural skills, while offering the opportunity for people to engage with nature and learn more about where their food comes from.
“The planting of the three new orchards also coincides with the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, commemorating 70 years of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign."
Pupils from the primary schools involved in planting the orchards, were pictured at the location.
The children can be seen in high-visibility jackets, with spades and gardening equipment.
Cllr Jim Brown, among other council officers, joined the children during the event.
Phoebe, a student at Bedwell Primary School, said: "I only live round the corner, so I can come back and eat the fruit from the trees soon.”
Another pupil, Arabella, commented: "I have planted a real pear tree and I go to Peartree school!"
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