High Life Highland operators of Inverness Botanic Gardens have been awarded £16,127 from the Inverness Common Good fund towards their innovative “Apples for All – Ubhlan dha na h-uile” project at Bught Apple Park.
This project will create a community orchard around and within the perimeter of Inverness Botanic Gardens by planting a mix of Scottish heritage apple, plum and pear trees.
Apples for All will be maintained and developed by Inverness Botanic Gardens, The Grow Project (adults with learning disabilities) volunteers, with local community groups and schools also being be invited to get involved.
The aim of the project is to promote local, sustainable and healthy eating, access to the gardens for people who don’t have any and to provide healthy living opportunities and skills for the Grow Project members, local young people and community volunteers.
Steve Walsh Chief executive of High Life Highland said, “ I am delighted that this application has been successful. It is refreshing to receive some good news just now and the Apples for All project is one which will stand the test of time providing an area to be enjoyed by visitors to the gardens for generations to come.
Plans would include providing benches made from recycled plastic to provide seating within the orchard that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people and providing the opportunity to engage in chance conversation with others, helping to beat loneliness and enhance community mental health.
Mr Walsh concluded, “This is an exciting addition to Inverness Botanic Gardens and will embed the gardens further into the local community as a place to visit and enjoy and ultimately have a chance to taste some freshly pressed juice from fruit grown virtually on your doorstep.”
