OVER 80% of traditional orchards in Herefordshire have vanished compared with a century ago, but several initiatives throughout the county are underway to restore orchards or create new ones. Many orchards at The National Trust's Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard have been replanted over the last decade.

Now they are working on the Reimagining Project to reinstate 21 acres of historic orchards with traditional Herefordshire varieties of apples and pears.

The local National Trust supporters group, Herefordshire & The Marches Association, donated £395 to support the project.

Ann Pearson, secretary of the local NT supporters group, said: "Herefordshire has long been known for its orchards. They are important to community life, and we are pleased to be able to support the plans at Brockhampton Estate".

Lottie Watts, the project manager of the Reimagining Orchards Project said: "This money will enable us to purchase The Herefordshire Pomona book, the most comprehensive study of apples and pears grown in Britain ever published, with over 430 different varieties all beautifully illustrated".

She added "It will be the reference guide we need to replanting our historic orchards appropriately".