A new orchard full of fruit trees has been planted at a Trowbridge cemetery to help encourage local wildlife and enhance the environment.

The project at The Down Cemetery in Trowbridge is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy element for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Volunteers helped to plant one apple tree, one crab apple tree, one plum tree, one damson tree, two pear trees and two cherry trees next to the Sir Roger Brown Mausoleum.

Trowbridge’s new mayor, Cllr Stephen Cooper, helped to unveil new dedication plaques for the trees in a ceremony on Saturday, May 27.

Wiltshire Times: Robert Wall, chairman of The Friends of Down Cemetery in Trowbridge with town mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper and friends launch the Queen's Canopy project. Photo: Trevor Porter 69895-3Robert Wall, chairman of The Friends of Down Cemetery in Trowbridge with town mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper and friends launch the Queen's Canopy project. Photo: Trevor Porter 69895-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Robert Wall, chairman of The Friends of Down Cemetery, said: “The orchard has been several years in the making, working out the right spot and type of trees to plant.

“We decided that the small orchard would be part of the now late Queen Elizabeth II platinum green canopy and have registered the orchard with this project.

“We decided on fruit trees for several reasons, the first and foremost being they would enhance not only the look of the cemetery but would also assist the wildlife.

“We chose a variety of different trees so that the blossom would be available for as long as possible therefore helping the local insect population and also making the cemetery look better for a longer period.

“The fruit will also help the local wildlife and also the people of Trowbridge who will be welcome to sample some of it - but maybe a few years down the line.”

Wiltshire Times: Robert Wall, chairman of The Friends of Down Cemetery in Trowbridge with town mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper launch the Queen's Green Canopy project. Photo: Trevor Porter 69895-4Robert Wall, chairman of The Friends of Down Cemetery in Trowbridge with town mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper launch the Queen's Green Canopy project. Photo: Trevor Porter 69895-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Wall added: “All the trees and accessories - stakes, bark, ties etc - where sponsored by members of the friends and the public.

“The plaques where sponsored and provided by members of the Kennet & Avon Woodturning Club in Trowbridge. It is hoped that these trees will enhance the cemetery for many years.”