Scouts from Kings Langley and Bovingdon have helped to plant a new orchard in the gardens of Ashridge House - home of Ashridge Business School.

The orchard comprises apples, pears, plums and cherries, all of heritage varieties native to Hertfordshire, and are the type that would have existed in the 19th century when the original orchard was planted. The previous orchard which had become overgrown was removed over 30 years ago.

The tree planting is part of the Ashridge Garden Conservation Scheme to restore the heritage of the gardens. It also follows recent sustainability initiatives such as the introduction of bee hives and a bee colony, a herb garden and a wild meadow.

The total of 60 trees has been planted as part of The Tree Council’s National Tree Week and was funded with the assistance of grant aid from the Tree Council. This national initiative supports the planting of more trees in the face of diseases that have been affecting many trees and encourages the active support of local communities such as scouts and schools.

Matt Smith, Craftsman Gardener at Ashridge, said: "The orchard will help to improve the diversity and wildlife of the gardens. The trees and the meadow grass that will grow in the orchard will encourage nesting birds such as blackbirds and starlings and butterflies. It will also attract the bees and will provide them with alternative pollen."

It will be five years or so before the young trees mature sufficiently to enable us to enjoy the first crop of fruit.