A DARTMOUTH orchard is being successfully brought back into good condition for people and wildlife.

An orchard management plan has seen the friends group working on various projects this year from planting and clearing to community events in the open air.

Creating new paths and steps to encourage wider year-round use and conservation measures to promote the rich diversity of wildlife in the orchard are all part of the vision for the future.

More than 30 members attended the inaugural annual meeting of the Friends of Dartmouth Community Orchard at the town’s yacht club last Wednesday evening.

Chairman Peter Shaw gave a detailed presentation on the 2016 orchard management plan, setting out the key priorities for the coming year ahead.

He said the three key areas were managing the site, engaging with the community and obtaining grants and funding.

He said looking after the trees, managing the scrub and improving the grassland were key to the health of the site and proposed improvements to the paths should improve the orchard’s accessibility for all users, particularly in the winter months.

Continuing to provide attractive events for the community and, in particular promoting use of the site as an ‘outdoor classroom’ for the town’s schools and youth groups, would ensure greater community involvement,’ he said.

However, finding the necessary funds through grants and other sources would be essential to the Friends realising their plans.

He said: ‘Key to achieving our aims are the ongoing partnership with Dartmouth Town Council and our participation in the National Lottery-funded Growing Orchard Communities project.

‘Continuing our co-operation with Dartmouth Green Partnership, forming new partnerships with the schools and youth groups, and developing our relations with Townstal Community Partnership will also be important to delivering these priorities.’

Treasurer Jane Willis gave a short presentation on the annual accounts, which included donations the friends had received in its first year. Among them were contributions from Dartmouth Town Council, owner of the orchard.

The Friends’ committee consists of 10 members and three new volunteers were welcomed, Cathy Bond, Linda Tudor and Chris Williams.

Supporter James Dodd thanked the group for the ‘terrific progress and achievements’ in the first year.

More on this story in Friday’s Chronicle