A COLLECTION of fruit plants have been planted in a Bradford park to replace ones destroyed by an invasion of a problem weed.

The Friends of Littlemoor Park have planted 24 foraging plants to fill barren patches left by Himalayan Balsam.

The new plants were given to the group by Tesco.

The group has spent years clearing the balsam from the park in Queensbury to allow indigenous plants to once again thrive.

A spokesman for the Friends group said: “The invasion of Himalayan Balsam has left barren patches in the park.

"Balsam shades out all other plant life leaving bare ground in its wake.

“We are in the third year of clearing the balsam and it is at least under control, although monitoring and pulling will have to continue for years to come.

“The Friends of Littlemoor Park planted 24 foraging plants kindly donated by Tesco to replace the raspberries lost to the balsam, with the further aim of increasing the diversity so that foraging tours can be included in the education programme.”

The constituted Friends of Group has been working with Bradford Council toward a development plan using the theme Uncover, Restore and Protect.

The aim is to uncover overgrown and hidden areas of the park, restore pathways and nature trails, and to protect them for the future.

A spokesman said: “The park has a long history and is the former site of Littlemoor Castle.

"Features such as the hawthorn arch, the nature trail and the lake are all since hidden but still there ready to be uncovered.

“Littlemoor is listed as a place for ‘the quiet enjoyment of nature’ and its history, ecology and the ways of the countryside are all under consideration for an living education programme supported by the group.

“The park is an oasis within Queensbury and it needs our protection.

"It is a rare gem, teaming with wildlife and holds within it the opportunity to educate the next generation about our village history, wildlife and the ways of the countryside.”

Visit littlemoorpark.co.uk for more information.