Bridgwater College’s Community Orchard has reached a new milestone with the official opening of the wildlife hide, by Somerset County Councillor, John Edney.

The event took place as part of The Walled Gardens of Cannington’s Wildlife Weekend and saw the previous water pumping house transformed. The renovations are part of the Tesco Bags of Help Spring Orchard initiative.

The aim of the Spring Orchard project is to revitalise the orchard, to improve access and develop the aesthetics of the area, which will hopefully lead to an increased use of the orchard. The second aim is to provide the opportunity for 12 people with mental health problems, from diverse backgrounds and locations across Sedgemoor, to benefit from Seed of Hope. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification in Practical Horticultural Skills.

Jayne Alcock, The Walled Gardens of Cannington Grounds and Gardens Supervisor said,

“Seed of Hope is a fantastic project to be part of, the changes in the orchard and in the people participating have been a joy to watch.”

Kris Scotting, Co-founder of Seed of Hope said,

“We hope that people will enjoy using the hide and watching the local wildlife as much as we have enjoyed transforming it, and spending time in this beautiful orchard.”

Since the 5p charge for plastic bags was introduced in large retailers, Tesco announced proceeds will go to good causes locally and nationally as part of their Bags of Help initiative. Seed of Hope, a therapeutic gardening project, is a not-for-profit joint venture with The Walled Gardens of Cannington, and has been selected to receive some of the funding for their Spring Orchard project, based at Cannington’s Community Orchard.

If you would like more information about The Walled Gardens of Cannington call 01278 655042, email walledgardens@bridgwater.ac.uk or visit www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk To find out more about Seed of Hope visit www.seedofhope.org.uk, or email kris@seedofhope.org.uk.