SCATTERED orchards could reappear across the Dedham Vale.

Fruit trees used to be part of the landscape of the famous vale.

But since 1900, 85 per cent of small farm orchards in the area have disappeared.

Now the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley project team have launched the scattered orchard project to re-introduce traditionally grown fruit trees to the area.

The scheme will see five traditionally grown fruit or nut trees planted on plots of publicly accessible land in parishes in or near the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley area.

The work is being carried out by volunteers under the guidance of the project team.

A grant of £1,240 has been made by the Stour Valley Environment Fund to pay for the cost of the trees and protection needed to keep them healthy.

Simon Amstutz, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty manager, said: "We have got some really good quality trees which are about six feet tall and which will grow to about 15 feet.

"We have also invested in some really good protection to keep them safe.

"The trees have good appeal and hark back to the days when people used to have fruit trees in their gardens or on their allotments.

"There is also the added wildlife benefits as the pollinators have somewhere to go."

Nigel Chapman, who is chairman of the area’s joint advisory committee said: "This is a terrific environmental project with long lasting benefit and one which should also help with community cohesion."

Anyone wanting to take part in the scheme should email Mr Amstutz on simon.amstutz@suffolk.gov.uk.