Moves are under way to identify a site for a community orchard at Dalbeattie.
Local Lions club members are meeting today to discuss the best way of bringing the plan to fruition.
So far efforts to identify a plot in or close to the town to plant fruit trees and bushes have drawn a blank.
But now Forestry and Scotland Land has raised the possibility of making a piece of its ground available.
Dalbeattie and District Lions Club president Lynda Burns said: “We have been kicking this idea around for two or three years.
“We are in touch with Forestry and Land Scotland to see if they can help.
“We think a community orchard would be a great way of bringing the community together.
“The highlight would be people meeting up once a year for an annual picnic in the orchard at harvest time.
“It would get the town involved and would be for all ages, young and old.
“Youth groups such as the Scouts could plant their own trees and learn about growing things.
“There would be an educational point to this as well as a social one.”
The Lions have already been in touch with Dumfries and Galloway Council, local farmers and landowners.
And according to Mrs Burns, National Lottery assistance could be available if the Lions, either on their own or with other community groups, find a site.
She added: “The site must be near to town as possible, safe access for all ages and mobility.
“We envisage a once a year community fruit picking event and picnic around October.”
A spokesperson for Forestry and Land Scotland said: “We are always happy to meet with community representatives to discuss ideas and possibilities for community projects on land that we manage.
“Whether holding events, running projects, managing or even purchasing land from us through the community asset transfer scheme (CATS), we offer a number of opportunities for community groups to get involved.
Dalbeattie Town Wood is part of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and is publicly owned.
