MINCINGLAKE Community Orchard Group is celebrating its first birthday with an event that is open to everyone, and an appeal for more members.

The group, which planted an orchard on a neglected site last spring, is part of the Beacon Heath Community Project run by the charity Exeter Community Initiatives.

Community worker Eve Malster said she expected the group to become independent within the next couple of months.

"I'm really pleased the group is one year old. They have worked really hard and are a really dedicated team of people," she said. "I'm excited for them and their potential and slightly sad to let go, but the aim is for community projects to become self-sustaining. I'll still pass them information and be at the end of the phone."

Although the site is owned and managed by Exeter City Council, the group focuses on the people and nature at the site. It aims to focus on education, celebration and conservation.

Ms Malster said the group had achieved a lot in its first year, and had plans including an ecological survey of the site so they can see how to encourage even more plants and wildlife.

"The site stayed dormant for quite a long time and people have been really excited to see it regenerated," she said. "So many people go there now."

The group has also organised an apple day, wassail celebration and community picnic.

The wassail in January, which was attended by about 30 people, involved blessing the orchard for the coming harvest. There was a fire, lanterns, singing, and mulled apple juice and cider.

This year's apple day, in October, will be the first big event the group takes on by itself.

Last year's event attracted about 125 visitors and featured a campfire, music, games, craft activities and apple pressing and tasting.

"We had an impromptu tug-of-war match, which was hilarious," said Ms Malster. "This year, we want to encourage people to get involved and enter a team. It will be good fun."

There will be a cafe with food made by local people. Volunteers are needed to help set up the event.

The group is celebrating its birthday with an evening walk around Mincinglake Valley Park, followed by nibbles and a toast, on Saturday, June 25.

People are asked to meet at 5pm in the Calthorpe Road car park, and the event is expected to last two hours. All welcome.

The group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm in the orchard, or indoors if the weather is bad. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join. For more information call 07910 264862 or email eve@eci.org.uk.