A volunteer at a controversial community orchard project has alleged the trees have been poisoned, after socks were discovered in a water butt.

Police have been called in to investigate and have asked for anyone with information regarding any suspects who may have placed the socks in the water source. to step forward.

The allegations were made when a number of trees failed to take hold following the hot dry weather since March, although the scrub, which had been removed, is slowly starting to grow back.

Peta Hillier a volunteer at the Shotley Community Orchard project posted on social media saying: "Despite taking care of the orchard every day sadly over the previous few months it appears that our community orchard trees have been poisoned by something being put into the water butts.

"This has been reported to the police who are looking into this crime and I would ask that if anyone has any information then they contact Suffolk Police."

A Suffolk Police spokesperson told Nub News: "Police have received a complaint of criminal damage in the (Lower) Harlings Road area of Shotley Gate.

"Since February this year, nearly 17 trees in an orchard have died off and it is believed that they have been poisoned by something being put in the water butts. Socks have been found in the water butt.

"Enquiries have been made into the incident but to date no suspect has been identified. Anyone who does have knowledge as to the suspects is, or has knowledge of who is responsible is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference 37/36223/20."

Meanwhile, another volunteer has insisted the explanation for the wilting woodland is a lot less nefarious.

The orchard volunteer spoke to Nub News on the understanding they would not be identified: "I believe it is far less likely to be any sort of poisoning or contamination than the simple fact the ground is not suitable for trees.

"The sub soil is very sandy and therefore the roots are probably not being nourished, no matter that the trees have been watered.

"Perhaps during that really dry spell we had recently, not enough watering was done, even if it was daily, due to the soil, which may have been ideal for brambles but not trees. Proper checks and samples were not taken as far as I'm aware.

"I don't do social media so have not seen the post but I have heard about it and it is a bit sad really.

"People really should not go around making baseless allegations as that does not help anyone, and certainly does not make the trees grow."

One volunteer who lives nearby has been spraying water on the area from a hose run from a nearby house, but it would appear almost half on the 17 trees are struggling to grow and are wilting.

A similar project at the far end of Stourside suffer a similar fate in 2013 when volunteers failed to adequately water trees and hedging and they did not grow.

Lessons were learned, and a smaller project, with 20 trees planted by the former Shotley's Footpath Group, helped by the village's scouts and cubs, on an open area, with constant watering every day a key feature.

A large number of people objected to the removal of established scrub for this new project, which housed nesting birds, rare insects and with bats also seen in the vicinity, to make way for the 17 trees.

Objectors included the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, members of the AONB, local conservation experts and residents.

Shotley parish council pushed ahead and funded the project, despite advice from experts that a proper survey should be carried out to protect the rare wildlife and to ensure it was a suitable site.

Peta Hillier was contacted for a comment and chose to allow the parish council to make statement instead.

We have approached the parish council but are still awaiting a response. We will publish their statement here if or when it arrives.