A FORGOTTEN orchard is being reclaimed from its ivy and bramble chaos thanks to enthusiastic volunteers' fruitful labour and Worcestershire County Council guidance.

Newly formed Worcester Woods Volunteer Group and Worcestershire County Council Countryside Service, are snipping away the years of neglect to nurture a traditional country orchard back to health at the Old Hornhill Farm near Swinesherd Way, Spetchley, Worcester.

"We've always known it was there - we think the farmhouse was pulled down sometime between the wars - but it was covered in a mountain of brambles and hawthorn," said Countryside Officer, Wade Muggleton.

"It is hoped to get the fruit identified and replant any gaps with local varieties," he explained.

"The county has lost a vast number of orchards in the last 100 years or so, which has meant the number of fruit varieties has declined," he added.

He hopes that once the orchard is returned to its former glory, it will lure more people to walk among the cropping fruit trees.

Traditional orchards contained a mixture of apples, pears, plums and cherries to ensure a supply of fresh fruit for the farms to which they were attached.

The Worcester Woods Volunteers will carry on the restoration - which started on Tuesday, January 11 - on Tuesdays during the winter, although there will be a big hedge replanting on Saturday, January 22.

For more information about the volunteer group, contact Mr Muggleton, on 01905 766491, or e-mail wmuggleton@worcestershire.gov.uk