RESIDENTS are being invited to help create an urban fruit forest on a patch of unused grass.

It's the latest project as part of Sowing Sneinton, a new community gardening group set up by residents Donya Coward and Suzannah Bedford.

With the help and advice of gardening expert Rachael Hemmings, the group is on a mission to transform the area.

Donya said: "We were both thinking how neglected patches of public ground were looking in Sneinton, particularly on the main routes into the neighbourhood. They were just twigs and full of rubbish.

"Instead of talking about it and expecting the council to sort things out, we decided to take action and get the job done ourselves.

"I think it really makes a difference to how you feel about the place you live in when you walk by and see and smell the flowers."

Sowing Sneinton began work on Sneinton Dale in May, with the approval and support of the Renewal Trust and ward Councillor David Mellen.

Their first project was a flower bed at the bottom of Sneinton Road – and the nearby King William IV pub was kind enough to let them fill their watering cans over the summer.

The next stage was planting a herb bed next to Johnno's Mini Market further up the Dale.

Suzannah said: "Most people have been really enthusiastic about the transformation so far.

"We have been really lucky with people donating plants, local shops giving us donations towards compost and plants, and with other residents helping out.

"The project could not work without everyone pitching in."

Over time, Sowing Sneinton would like residents to take over each of the planted areas, creating small community gardens across the area.

The urban fruit forest is the group's most ambitious project and is being created in conjunction with Ecoworks, which already runs community gardens in St Ann's.

The fruit forest will be created on a patch of unused grass on the corner of Beaumont Street and Sneinton Road.

Antony Dumskyj, from Ecoworks, said: "We plan to plant a whole range of fruit bushes and trees including blueberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, raspberries, damsons, maybe even some kiwis and more unusual fruit."

It will be planted for visual impact too, and flowers to attract bees and other beneficial insects will be added later on.

"It will all be as self-sustaining and low maintenance as it can be," added Antony.

People are being asked to help plant fruit bushes and trees from 1.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday, October 15 and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 16.

"You can come along and join us for a few hours, or just drop in and see what we are about," said Donya.

Tools will be provided.

For more information, e-mail antony.dumskyj@ecoworks.org.uk.