LAND has been identified for a community orchard in Coniston which has been 'an ambition of many local people.' 

Coniston Parish Council said finding the land had 'always been a struggle' but now the project can move forward to the planning stage. 

A spokesperson from the council said the community orchard will focus on creating an area of bio-diversity and interest via planting local heritage varieties of fruit trees and hedgerows alongside native bulbs and meadow flowers. 

"As traditional orchards can last for over a hundred years, this project needs to ensure that planning is thorough and that the work undertaken will contribute to the creation of a valuable community resource," a spokesperson said. 

A meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 23 at the Coniston Institute will be the 'starting point' for the project to take shape. 

The spokesperson added: "All people have something to contribute: you may be interested in getting your hands dirty when work parties are organised, you might be interested in fundraising, communication, design, or developing educational resources. Whatever energy and enthusiasm you have will be welcome within the group."