PEOPLE in Wellington will soon be able to pick fruit growing in public spaces for free.

The Transition Town Wellington team has been planting edible trees and bushes in community spaces around the town.

The initiative will help increase the sustainability of local food production and make unused spaces more productive and beautiful.

Members have so far planted an orchard at Trinity Church and some currant and rhubarb bushes near the bowls club.

Now, with the support of the town council, they will be planting a cherry grove and some more currant bushes at the second rugby pitch.

The fruit will be available for all the residents Wellington to pick in the future.

The group spent last Sunday tidying up the area of the second rugby pitch, clearing brambles in preparation for the planting of the cherry grove next weekend.

Everyone is welcome to go along and help plant the trees and bushes on Sunday (February 14) at 10.30am at the second rugby pitch near the park.

A group spokesman said: "We will demonstrate how to plant them, and provide tools - all you need to bring is wellies and some gardening gloves if you have them.

"It should be fun, and you will be able to see the tree you planted grow over the years.

"Children are welcome, but responsible adults need to come with young children."