GREEN residents can help protect and increase the county’s orchard heritage by buying local organic fruit trees.

Worcestershire County Council’s countryside service has long made local varieties of fruit trees available and by operating the scheme it hopes to not only protect existing stocks, but also provide residents with a gift opportunity.

Selections of organic apples, pears and plums have been especially pot-grown and are available from £14. The trees are grown in partnership with Walcott Organic Nursery and are available from November to February 2009 for planting in the winter season.

For an application leaflet call 01905 766493 or go to worcestershire.whub.org.uk/home/wccindex/wcc-countryside/wcc-countryside-fruit