Environmental group's apple tree dream for Sutherland
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Environmental group Planet Sutherland is considering expanding its pilot apple tree planting project, but is consulting residents in the county as a first step.
The group planted 20 apple trees in the gardens of householders in Ardgay and district last year after receiving wind farm community benefit funding. It would like to continue the initiative in other areas of Sutherland, but say the first step is to “determine interest and volunteer help”.
Group founder Anna Patfield said: “Whilst we’re thinking of apple trees in individual gardens, we’d be more than happy to work with villages to establish small orchids.
“We’re also considering fruit bushes.
“Ongoing, we hope to develop Apple Days, where we can make juice or cider, or even just share produce around the villages.
“Our dream – to make Sutherland self sufficient in apples!”
Planet Sutherland has developed a short survey form to find out the level of interest and where enough volunteers can be recruited.
Ms Patfield continued: “The project planting date would be in February and March next year. We do however need to start looking at funding options.”
For more information and to access the Sutherland Orchard Survey, click here .
