AN exhibition produced by two Denbigh based photographers is attempting to document traditional orchards in the region.
Looking at the loss of orchards such as at the North Wales Hospital, but also positive local developments such as the Denbigh Plum Festival, the display by Paul Parker and David Woodfall will be on show at Denbigh Library until February 23.
“Orchards are the perfect example of a positive relationship between people and nature: our way of creating food and drink, and a wonderful haven for wildlife and our culture,” said David.
Historically there have been over 3,000 different species of apples within the UK but in the 1950s and 1960s there were serious declines in acreage of orchards.
In response to this the conservation organisation Common Ground launched a national campaign in the 1980s to recognise the value of such places.
“The community of Denbigh has its own Plum Festival every October, to celebrate and help propagate the Denbigh Plum and recently has created its own community orchard in the grounds of the Cae Dai Museum to the immediate west of the town,” said David.
“Whilst this in no way replaces the loss of the Denbigh Hospital orchard in the mid 1990s, it is a fine example of what we can create collectively.
“There are many ways locally for you to become involved if you wish. Even growing a single fruit tree in your garden will help.”
The library is open on Monday and Wednesday (9.30am-7pm), on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (9.30am-5pm) and on Saturday (9.30am-12.30pm).