This week, more than 20 volunteers have begun to create a community orchard in Axminster, in the field next to the cemetery.

On December 2, members of the Axminster Climate Action Group, comprised of town councillors and residents, led the sourcing of the trees from Adam’s Apples in Dulverton, utilising the Axminster Town Council Tree Planting fund. Tom Nancarrow from the nursery assembled a selection of eating, cooking and cider apples, pears, plums and even a medlar tree. The group sought advice from Axminster’s honorary tree warden, Mike Davis, who oversaw the buying and the planting, and Sarah Jackson, who recorded information about each tree and where it should go. In total, the group planted 40 saplings in under three hours.

Cllr Bernie Steadman, Chair, Axminster Climate Action Group said: "Thanks must go to the Town Council staff, especially the maintenance team, for their tireless efforts in preparing the ground for planting, refreshments, and commitment to completing the orchard despite the extreme weather. We could not have managed without them.

"This truly was a community project. Children came with their parents, and one volunteer said that she didn’t mind that her son was reluctant to dig as she felt it was more important that he saw what community action meant so he would know how to participate in the future. A good lesson for us all."

The journey of the orchard has only just begun. It will be several years before the group can begin to harvest fruit, but in the meantime, they will be looking after it. A new path will be mown between the trees and through the wildflower meadow, and a Willow copse planted in the spring on the boggy ground in the middle of the field.

A new Devon bank and native hedge will also be added, and information tags on each tree detailing its variety and when it will be ripe to pick.

"We hope the whole community will enjoy the spring blossom and autumn fruit. Please help us look after and protect our fledgling orchard until it reaches maturity."