A HERITAGE Lottery-funded orchard project is launching a training opportunity for traditional orchard lovers here in Herefordshire.

The Three Counties Traditional Orchard Project has teamed up with Garden Organic to develop an 'Orchard Champions' course.

The scheme is a new addition to Garden Organic's award-winning composting and growing programmes and will be trialled this spring in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Project officer, Karen Humphries, said: "We're really excited about this course. It offers people the chance to learn all about traditional orchards and to develop their orchard management skills.

"In return we're asking the 'champions' to act as orchard ambassadors in our project areas, perhaps writing something for a parish magazine, having a stall at the local fete or talking to family, friends and neighbours."

Alex Heelis from Garden Organic knows how successful this approach can be.

"Orchard Champions will make a huge difference in raising awareness about traditional orchards in our project areas," he said.

"Orchards need people to survive – not only to help manage them from time to time but also so that we don't take them for granted and let them disappear."

The orchard champions initiative is part of Three Counties Traditional Orchard Project which is working in key areas across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire to restore and celebrate our traditional orchard heritage.

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming an Orchard Champion should visit tctop.org.uk or call Karen Humphries on 01684 560616.