Volunteers turn out in force to plant trees at Staunton Country Park as work starts on community orchard

Dozens of trees were planted by families, residents and councillors as Storey Gardens began the first steps in its transformation from an overflow car park to a thriving planting area.

Volunteers got their hands dirty from 10am to 4pm as they planted a variety of fruit trees which will be tended by the community on the three-acre site which will also feature community planting areas.

Each tree was labelled with the fruit variety, along with the names of those who helped plant it.

Planting one of the trees was Emma Ridgers and Jess Dodgson, from Hayling Island, who are members of Staunton Farm and often bring their children to the park.

Jess said: ‘We saw it was a lovely community event and thought it would be good for the children, who are learning about the environment at school.

‘We thought it would be lovely to come back and visit the tree.’

Another volunteer for the day was Michael Bailey, who lived in Stable Cottage, which backs onto the orchard, from 1978 until about 10 years ago.

He attended with his sister to plant a tree in memory of their parents and reminisce about Storey Gardens.

About the event, Michael said: ‘I’m really pleased, I think it’s brilliant.’

Staunton Country Park has joined up with The Right to Work CIC and Havant Day Services for many years to provide work opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Debbie Lyall, managing director of The Right to Work CIC, said: ‘It’s exactly what we wanted it to be, it will be a lovely space to come and sit for locals.

‘Rather than it being private it’s for the masses which is just lovely. We need lots of local volunteers to come and look after the orchard.’

Councillor Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, said: ‘The orchard within a new garden will enable residents and visitors to become actively involved in Staunton’s next chapter, by re-imagining how the traditional gardens once were.’