Reay community planting project is set to bear fruit
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Villagers in Reay are looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labours after carrying out a series of environmental improvements.
Some 60 yards of derelict verge was dug up over the festive period as part of the local youth club's fruit project, with more than a tonne of weeds and stones removed before 50 more raspberry and blackberry canes were planted.
The work has been done by youth club members, parents and volunteers in small groups to comply with Covid-19 rules.
Among those taking part were members of the Jaworska family – father Roman and daughters Kalina and Malnina.
Roman, originally from Poland, remembers in the 1980 and ’90s visiting his aunts in the city of Hradec Kárlové, now part of the Czech Republic, where the local side roads were lined with fruit and nut trees, and picking baskets full of walnuts, cherries or apples to take home.
Around 120 tulips and 100 daffodils were also planted, with winter primroses and snowdrops coming soon. Youth club leader and project co-ordinator Don Forbes said the flowers would give a welcome array of colour in spring before the canes grow with fruit in summer for all to enjoy.
Next month’s task – part three of six – is to build 40 boxes for all participating children who will then be supplied with compost, fruit or vegetables ready to plant. The dedicated young gardeners can then watch them grow through the summer.
"The public response has been great," Mr Forbes said. "Everyone is delighted with both parts of the project.
"It is giving local kids a chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and the improvements to 'Gutter Street' – The Terrace – with spring flowers, then fruit in summer, will be a welcome sight."
He added: "Arranging our enthusiastic volunteers has been time-consuming and only possible in small numbers or family bubbles, to comply with Covid restrictions, but we have managed to get planting done on time to give both fruit and flowers a fighting chance."
