DUNFERMLINE has been given a golden opportunity to benefit the environment and wildlife with a new community orchard.

The city was one of 50 locations across the UK to be chosen to mark five decades of The Tree Council.

It's been gifted a golden orchard and planting took place on Thursday at the St Leonard's park, just to the north of Grange Drive, with school kids from Dunfermline High and St Leonard's Primary doing some of the spadework.

Dunfermline Press: It's a plant. Pupils from Dunfermline High and St Leonard's Primary joined the Brucefield Tenants and Residents Association on Thursday.It's a plant. Pupils from Dunfermline High and St Leonard's Primary joined the Brucefield Tenants and Residents Association on Thursday. (Image: David Wardle)

Kathleen Langner, secretary of Brucefield Tenants and Residents Association, who were also involved, said: “We are honoured to have been selected to plant a golden orchard.

"It will be a great addition to the park and complement the many other projects we have in the pipeline to make St Leonard's Park an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon outdoors.”

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The Dunfermline orchard has 10 carefully selected fruit trees, each with the word 'gold' in their name, such as Julia’s Late Golden apple, Paradice Gold apple, Apricot Golden Glow, Big Golden Star and Malus Golden Gem.

Dunfermline Press: The golden orchard in Dunfermline is one of three in Fife. It's to help celebrate 50 years of The Tree Council. The golden orchard in Dunfermline is one of three in Fife. It's to help celebrate 50 years of The Tree Council. (Image: David Wardle)

St Leonard's is one of three golden orchard locations in Fife, the others are in Dunnikier Country Park in Kirkcaldy and Balbirnie Park in Glenrothes.

Local groups are taking care of the planting and maintenance, supported by Climate Action Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.

Every year The Tree Council donates free trees for community planting in Fife and they support the Fife Tree Warden volunteer network.

Dunfermline Press: The orchard has 10 carefully selected fruit trees, each with the word 'gold' in their name.The orchard has 10 carefully selected fruit trees, each with the word 'gold' in their name. (Image: David Wardle)

Rebecca Logsdon, Fife community tree planting officer, said: “Orchards serve as lush, communal spaces where residents come together, not only to plant and care for fruit-bearing trees but to cultivate lasting community bonds.

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“They provide opportunities for education, engagement, teamwork and the joy of enjoying delicious fruits. And, orchards contribute to a sustainable ecosystem, offering shade, habitat, and a natural haven for local wildlife.”

Dunfermline Press: Tree-mendous work at St Leonard's Park in Dunfermline.Tree-mendous work at St Leonard's Park in Dunfermline. (Image: David Wardle)

People in Dunfermline and West Fife can get involved in tree planting through Climate Action Fife's 'A Fruit Tree For Every Garden in Fife' campaign, by contributing to the Climate Action Fife Community Tree Fund and through the Fife Tree Warden scheme.