Students from 3 local primary schools helped Gift to Nature plant a new community orchard at Pan Country Park in Newport yesterday morning (Thursday).
Gathering at the green space on Bluebell Meadows were students from Barton, Nine Acres and Summerfields Primary Schools.
The youngsters, clad in their wellies and waterproof jackets, braved the elements to help plant the trees alongside planting professionals from the nature charity.

Having ‘mucked in’ the students were treated to a hot chocolate to warm the cockles before they made their way back to school just in time for lunch.
Once the trees have fruited, the local community will be welcome to pick fruit to take home. It has all been made possible thanks to funding from the Isle of Wight Festival. A total of 7 varieties of apple have been chosen for the orchard, including Howgate Wonder, an Isle of Wight variety.
Caroline Giddings, The Isle of Wight Festival Director, said:
“It’s been great to work with Natural Enterprise to plant a host of new trees at Pan Country Park, funded by our Isle of Wight Festival audience through donations on site. We’re committed to reducing the festival’s environmental impact during the event in June but also through year round initiatives, so this was the perfect opportunity to build something longlasting for the community to enjoy.”
Brian Friend, Chairman of Natural Enterprise, said:
’We are pleased to have worked with the Isle of Wight Festival to develop a new orchard that will benefit both the wildlife and the people who visit.’
A project of local charity Natural Enterprise, Gift to Nature manage over 30 countryside and green spaces, ranging from wide open spaces such as Brading Down to small, urban oases like Castle Copse, East Cowes.