Fairfield Primary has become one of the first schools in Wales to plant a fruit tree orchard as part of the Fruitful Orchards Project.

Led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the scheme provides an opportunity to improve children's connection with nature while also increasing biodiversity in urban areas.

Schools in Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr and Bridgend areas with enough room to plant up to five fruit trees have been asked to apply for a planting pack online.

Nadia De Longhi, Operations Manager for NRW, said:

"It's proven to help learners of all ages develop a stronger connection with nature and enhances environmental awareness that leads to positive behaviours in the long term.

"The planting of fruit trees also helps to increase biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change.

"Despite the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we've already had dozens of schools and settings sign up to receive their fruit trees with help from our local authority partners, and some have already planted their trees," she continued.

"I'd encourage more schools and settings to take advantage of this fruitful opportunity.

"Once registered, we will support schools and settings to plan their orchard, provide the teaching and learning resources they will need and deliver the trees."

Fairfield were quick to embrace the scheme, planting an orchard of five apple trees in their school grounds in December.

Before planting, the pupils made a tree planting plan using the package provided by NRW.

The school's Eco Committee will be tasked with ensuring the trees flourish.

Councillor Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration for Vale of Glamorgan Council said:

"I'm delighted that so many Vale schools have become actively involved in this project, some have even volunteered to look after trees for other schools currently under construction.

"I'm particularly pleased that Fairfield Primary, my local primary school has embraced the scheme making sure that their trees have everything they need to thrive.

"I look forward to visiting their fledgling orchard as soon as possible."

Schools and educational settings can sign up to the project here.