Port Glasgow project is bringing an old orchard back to life

Parklea Branching Out - recently highlighted by new Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey, in his maiden speech in the House of Commons - have started reviving the woodland area.

It is all part of an £80,000 heritage project to retrace the town's roots as they begin planting seedlings.

Branching Out works with adults with additional support needs providing training and support through horticulture and now have a new community hub.

Parklea Branching Out (Image: contributed)

Sharon Gemmell, Manager at Parklea Branching Out, said: “It was been a great event where our clients, volunteers, staff and community were able to come together to plant apple trees for our Heritage Community Orchard.

"We are looking forward to having other community events in the orchard and harvesting the fruit in years to come.”

The aim is to establish a flourishing orchard, planted with heritage varieties that date back over 100 years.

Parklea Branching Out (Image: contributed)

It will remain a part of Parklea for future generations with 24 old Scottish varieties such as Cutler Grieve, Lass O Gowrie and even Bloody Ploughman.

As part of the heritage project funded by the National Lottery they are looking back  through the history and heritage of the area.

The group have also been taking part in photography and art classes mapping the area's history all the way back to the 1500's.

Dating back to 1740, the region east of Newark Castle was once filled with market gardens for nearly a century.

Parklea Branching Out (Image: contributed)

These gardens cultivated fruits, including apples, pears and plums, that were then shipped up the Clyde to be sold at the market via steamboat.

It all came to an end with the introduction of the train in 1841.

As well as the tree planting they also took part in a pond workshop.