CELEBRATE the coming of trees in Widecombe.

The launch party is set for Saturday, October 22, at 3pm in Widecombe Parish Field, which is behind the public car park in the village, with fun for all the family, including apple and cider tasting as well as live music.

The party is also an opportunity for attendees to see the filed before the trees are planted.

The roughly one acre sized field was donated to the parish in 1983 by Sir William Van Straubenzee for the benefit of parishioners.

A team came together, under the auspices of Widecombe Parish Council, tasked with finding a better use for the use than just grazing it.

It was concluded that planting an orchard, which is to be known as ‘Jubilee Orchard’, of ancient varieties of Devon apple trees would be best.

All being well, it is hoped the village can host events of a various sort throughout a given year in the future: Wassailing, blossom parties and a harvesting session among the ideas being banded about.

At present, it is hoped the trees, 25 of which are being provided by the Devon Wildlife Trust and a further 15 by People’s Trust for Endangered Species, will be planted this autumn when water levels are right, following the aforementioned launch party.

It is understood the area will not be for use by the general public but parishioners will be welcome to use it by arrangement.