The trees of a community orchard have been planted in South Whitley Park as part of a project to enhance biodiversity and provide a calm space.

Planting of a community orchard began this week (March 21), bringing 30 new fruit trees and shrubs to the park, including apple, plum, cherry and pear.

The trees will provide shade, improve air quality, and help create an aesthetically pleasing boundary where the park borders the motorway.

The project, led by Reading Council, follows a successful £85,000 bid to the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities for the significant refurbishment of the park in South Reading.

Further plans for the park include a toddler’s play area alongside the existing concrete climbing animals.

The facility will cater for families who live in the area as a £20,000 budget has already been agreed.

Reading Borough Council lead councillor for environmental services and community safety Karen Rowland, said: "We are absolutely delighted that an orchard is coming to Whitley. This is a fantastic project that will give this much-loved local park a new lease of life. Importantly, it is also another positive step we are taking to increase biodiversity and respond to tackling the climate emergency.

"This project compliments our ambitious new Tree Strategy, which aims for 3,000 new trees on council land by 2030, as well as increasing the proportion of land in Reading which is covered by tree canopy to 25% over the same timescale.

"However, trees provide us with so many benefits. They have the ability to improve our environment, enhance the beauty of our town and provide peace calm and joy for our souls in our busy world. By carefully locating trees in areas most in need of green cover, these trees will make a real difference to the wellbeing of our communities in Whitley."