APPLE juice and scones were the order of the day to celebrate a project to reinvigorate a Somerset orchard.

Project Orchard has seen the NHS Somerset Armed Forces team and the National Trust at Dunster Castle join forces to support military veterans and their friends and families to come together and transform an overgrown woodland area in West Somerset into a blossoming community orchard for all to enjoy.

Since mid-April 2025, a dedicated team of volunteers supported by staff at Dunster Castle have been rolling up their sleeves and mucking in to work through thickets of brambles, stinging nettles and invasive saplings to clear and level the site, removing unwanted growth, enriching the soil with compost and planting apple trees that will one day provide shade, fruit and a place for the community to come together.

To mark the planting milestone, the group celebrated with homemade apple scones and apple juice.

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Rebecca Oliver, Armed Forces community officer at NHS Somerset, said: “This project is about so much more than planting trees. It’s about connection, purpose, and wellbeing – providing members of the Armed Forces community with an outdoor space to work, reflect and be part of something meaningful in the beautiful surroundings of Dunster Castle.”

Veterans from Minehead, Taunton and Chard have taken part, with many accompanied by family and friends.

Even when unable to join in the physical work, some have still attended to encourage their fellow volunteers.

Among them is Ian, a volunteer and military veteran, who said: “It gets you out, gets you to meet people and gets you to do things outside of your normal comfort zone.”

The National Trust spokesperson, Amy Wigglesworth, said: “Working in partnership with the NHS and Armed Forces Community to create an Orchard at Dunster Castle has been an incredible experience.

“The Veterans who have chosen to take part have been an absolute joy to work alongside. We’ve loved getting to know them, hearing their stories, and seeing how much they enjoy spending time outdoors in their local community engaging with nature.

“Together, come rain or shine, we’re creating something truly special for everyone to use and enjoy — a lasting, positive contribution to our community.”

After each session, it has become tradition for the group to gather for lunch outdoors, whatever the weather, to take in the views and enjoy the setting they’ve helped restore.

The orchard will now grow into a welcoming space for the community. Situated just outside of the pay gate entrance to the Castle, it is free to enter.

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