Pick-your-own plan for Darlington orchards (From The Northern Echo)

Pick-your-own plan for Darlington orchards

11:28am Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

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ORCHARDS growing up to 5,000 apple trees could be planted across Darlington as part of a food project.

It's Growing Darlington is a community-led scheme aimed at promoting local food.

Its organisers will work with a range of other groups, including First Stop Darlington, the Clervaux Trust and Friends of the Earth.

The idea has come from Peter Roberts, who works for Darlington Borough Council, after a visit to the Incredible Edible project at Todmorden, in West Yorkshire.

Incredible Edible has received national and royal attention. It aims to increase the amount of food grown and eaten in the town and includes vegetable and fruit patches springing up with people able to pick their own.

One of Mr Roberts' ideas is to plant up to 5,000 apple trees around Darlington, which would allow people in the town to pick their own fruit.

Two varieties - Keswick Codlin and Lane's Prince Albert - will be planted.

Mr Roberts said: "We are working towards an event in late October to launch it as a community project.

"People are interested in growing their own food and knowing where their food comes from.

"We can see that with the increasing waiting lists for allotments and the enthusiasm that local food generates."

Mr Roberts has visited schools which are running their own projects. He will also work with First Stop to work on St Cuthbert's Churchyard.

Those already interested in planting apple trees are the Clervaux Trust, an educational group working with youngsters, at Croft, and a community group in Hurworth, near Darlington.

Asin Todmorden, people will be encouraged to take their own apples.

Mr Roberts said: "There is a lot of talking to do to ensure we overcome any problems or concerns with market stallholders and local businesses.

"In the long-term, if this were to take off, then we would expect that people will think more about their food and where it comes from."

Allan Draper, Darlington trader and a member of the National Market Traders' Federation, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea. It is just about putting all the pieces together. I think it could help local producers."