A STEVENSTON conservation charity is celebrating after being awarded a £1,900 grant from Asda Ardrossan.

FRIENDS (For Real Issues Environment Nature Disabled Stevenston) received the funding as part of the latest round of grant giveaways from the Scottish 5p carrier bag charge.

The local group applied to Foundation Scotland for funding and, to ensure the grants are as locally relevant as possible, a regional selection panel comprised of Asda colleagues helped to choose the projects to benefit.

In partnership with Foundation Scotland, Asda is distributing half of the proceeds of the Scottish Government’s bag charge through Asda carrier bag community grants, which provide up to £2,000 for local projects and good causes.

FRIENDS will be using their funding to contribute towards expanding the community orchard and planting 40 fruit trees.

The charity formed 20 years ago with the aim of improving local green spaces for both people and wildlife. They’ve worked on several projects including the creation of a large pond, an area of woodland and a large wildflower meadow.

Iain Hamlin, secretary at FRIENDS, said: “We’re delighted that our application for an Asda carrier bag community grant was successful. The funds will definitely have a positive impact in our local community.

“This grant will allow us to expand the orchard significantly, making it perhaps Ayrshire’s largest public orchard. Furthermore, we have chosen to plant trees which will complement the pre-existing varieties, including plums, gages, cherries and late-fruiting apples.

“The expansion of the orchard will bring many benefits.

“As well as providing local people with a source of free fruit, it will also attract interesting, fruit-feeding birds to the site, such as Fieldfares, Waxwings and wintering Blackcaps.

“The new, extended orchard will also be an eye-catching attraction in itself, and, sitting on the route of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, will be enjoyed by many thousands of passers-by every year.”

Katy Buchannan, Community Champion at Asda Ardrossan, said: “We want the carrier bag charge to have long-term social and environmental benefits, and we want to ensure the funds raised are spent locally.

“By working with Foundation Scotland, we have ensured that the bag charge benefits small projects and good causes that matter most to our local community.

“It’s fantastic to see the positive impact it’s already making in Ardrossan.”

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, added: “We are using our knowledge to ensure that the funds are used to help improve, strengthen and benefit the communities around Asda stores across the country.”