A PROJECT that aims to stop flooding in a village has officially opened.

The Harvington Jubilee Orchard tackles the issue of surface water flooding which has dogged the village.

Included in the scheme, which launched on Friday (September 12) are two retention basins, alongside the community orchard that was planted at the end of 2012.

So far, this has prevented any repeat of flash flooding experienced in the past.

The groups behind the orchard have said they hope it can be more than just a flood alleviation scheme.

Phil Bawn, chairman of the Harvington Trust, said: “The orchard is a recreational space that will involve residents, especially the local school children, in land management and wildlife education.

"When the orchard has matured it will provide healthy fruit for the villagers and it will replace some of the local heritage that has been lost over the years.

"But crucially it will also help to eradicate one of the significant sources of surface water run-off.”

The orchard helps to slow down water flows naturally, and excess flows then collect in the two basins.

It is hoped any water stored following heavy rainfall will drain away through an existing ditch system or be absorbed by fruit trees.

Lynne Duffy, chairman of Wychavon District Council, said: “Through the excellent work of our engineers, we’re really proud to say that we have been part of the team that has delivered this fantastic community project so enthusiastically.”

Mark Steventon, chairman of Harvington Parish Council, said: “The orchard is an innovative and inclusive project that will help reduce the likelihood of the village being flooded but also provide a beautiful and natural open space that everyone living here can enjoy for years to come.”

Since the orchard was planted and retention pools created, Harvington has not been flooded.

The orchard and other habitats have the potential to attract a range of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates such as badgers, bats, voles, newts, toads, woodpeckers, mistle thrushes and many bumblebees and butterflies.