As part of the lottery funded regeneration project for Grosvenor and Hilbert Park a community orchard scheme is being carried out with the first trees to be planted this winter.

The scheme is being lead by the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park and the park’s Community Engagement Officer. It is funded by the Big and Heritage Lottery Funds.

To start the orchard off 15 semi-mature fruit trees will be planted during National Tree Week which runs from November, 29 to December, 7.

The first phase of community planting will take place in February 2015.

A planning event will take place in the park on Saturday, November 8 from 10.30am until early afternoon.

This will involve a soil examination activity followed by the first steps to marking out where the trees are to go.

Local residents and park users will have the opportunity to sponsor and plant their own tree and also be involved in the management and maintenance of the orchard which will largely be volunteer led.

The community planting will likely take place over two or three phases in early and late 2015.

Community engagement officer, Cally Fiddimore said: "It is fantastic that we have this opportunity to create a community orchard as part of the lottery project for the park.

"It will be a beautiful focal point on the Hilbert side of the park for community events as well as providing free fruit for everyone!’

For more info e-mail: cally.fiddimore@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.