Royton Linear Park puts down roots with new fruit trail, thanks to support from ROCA

Royton Linear Park is putting down roots with 50 new fruit trees and bushes, funded by our community grant initiative.

The array of saplings - many of which were planted by volunteers at the park's Springwatch event this weekend - now make up a beautiful fruit trail for locals to enjoy.

The project is the latest step by community group, Friends of Royton Linear Park to transform the strip of green space which runs from the top of Edge Lane in the town up to Higginshaw.

The fruit trail has been funded by a cash boost from our Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA) Small Grants scheme, which supports community projects in Oldham and Rochdale.

Shirley Brown, Secretary of Friends of Royton Linear Park said: "The idea of the trail is that local residents and the community can come along and pick their own fruit and enjoy the space, and we're delighted that's it's been made possible.

"We've planted fruit bushes in red white and blue colours to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee and gone for apple, pear, cherry, apricot and damson trees which represent English puddings. They will help us to encourage wildlife to come back to the area and make it a beautiful green space for people in Royton and surrounding areas to enjoy.

“We’ve got lots of plans in the pipeline and welcome volunteers to join us and get involved."

Kevin Field, FCHO's Project and Partnership Officer said: "We're here to help places and communities thrive and we've been really excited by FORLP’s energy and enthusiasm. It was great to see and hear more about their plans for the future and we hope the fruit trail will make a positive difference to the environment and local people now and in years to come.”

The fruit trail was launched at a vibrant Springwatch event on Sunday 15 May, at which the Friends of Royton Linear Park welcomed local people to get involved in planting the young fruit trees. Local environmental experts Northern Lily, the RSPB, Hedgehog Rescue and the Curator of Anthropods were also there to help adults and children alike connect with nature.

Stay up to date with the Friends of Royton Linear Park plans on Facebook.

Read more about ROCA funding.