RESIDENTS living near to the site of a proposed new forest are being asked to suggest names for a community orchard which will form part of the scheme. The orchard in Sandridge, adjoining the site where the 850-acre Heartwood Forest will be created by the

RESIDENTS living near to the site of a proposed new forest are being asked to suggest names for a community orchard which will form part of the scheme.

The orchard in Sandridge, adjoining the site where the 850-acre Heartwood Forest will be created by the Woodland Trust, will be a haven for rare local fruit varieties which will provide for the villagers.

Toby Bancroft, project manager for Heartwood Forest, said: "Heartwood Forest is a major asset for the whole country but is also of great significance to the village of Sandridge so it is only right that the villagers get the opportunity to benefit directly from a community orchard which, as well as providing healthy sustenance, will help preserve local fruit tree varieties that have become threatened by the demise of traditional orchards."

The closing date for name suggestions is March 31 when they will go before Sandridge Parish Council to be whittled down into a shortlist, which will go out to a vote.

Suggestions can be emailed to heartwood@woodlandtrust.org.uk or posted to Heartwood Orchard Name, Woodland Trust, Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL.

Entries can also be handed in at any of the up-and-coming open days.