Free fruit for all at community orchards

HERE’S an idea for a cost-friendly and family-orientated activity during the summer holidays – picking your own fruit, free of charge.

Local councils have planted a range of fruit trees in many areas of public open space in Newbury – with apples just coming into season.

Members of Greening West Fields and Growing Newbury Green got together recently to harvest plums from the small copse in Newbury Town Council’s City Playground.

These cherry-sized plums are said to be ideal for stewing and jam making.

Adjacent to the plum copse is some more accessible fruit at one of Newbury’s community orchards.

Planted by Growing Newbury Green in conjunction with Newbury Town Council, these local varieties of apples should be ready to pick in the autumn.

Sarah De Souza, of Growing Newbury Green, said that many local people are unsure about when the apples are ready to pick – and has suggested providing a notice giving appropriate picking times.