NEWS: Time is running out to apply for community orchard grant

Organisations and businesses are being encouraged to take the opportunity to apply for a grant to plant a community orchard.

Between £200 and £10,000 can be claimed from Malvern Hills District Council to support the creation of a community orchard, which includes the cost of the trees, protection, fencing and installation.

Groups including schools, residents’ associations, community groups, charities, businesses, and parish/town councils across the Malvern Hills District are being invited to apply.

The orchards can be on private or public land with the aim of allowing community access and engagement opportunities.

Tenbury Town Council received a grant of over £300 to create a small orchard in its Civic Garden, off Teme Street.

Five fruit trees were planted by Tenbury-based company Frank P Matthews Tree Shop and included three apple Adam's Pearmain, Herefordshire Russet and Red Windsor, one Conference Pear and one Victoria Plum. 

Cllr Lesley Bruton, Town Clerk at Tenbury Town Council, said: “Tenbury was named 'The Town in the Orchard' by Queen Victoria and this funding opportunity helped the council create a small community orchard in the town as well as creating a lasting tribute for the King's Coronation. The orchard will improve the area for residents' wellbeing and visitors' enjoyment who will be able to pick the fruit”.

Cllr Mark Driscoll, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at Malvern Hills District Council said: “Time is running out to apply for this wonderful opportunity. Community orchards are excellent places for people to come together to plant and cultivate a variety of fruit trees and to use the area as a focal point for community activities. Tree planting has an important role to play in tackling climate change and it will also help support our ambition to become a carbon neutral district.”

The UK Government has provided a total of £2.5 million in funding to local governments, through The Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF), which celebrates the coronation of King Charles III and supports tree planting projects across England.

Please visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/clhf for more information about the grant, selection criteria, and to apply.

Please apply by 20 December 2024. An officer from Malvern Hills District Council will be available to assist with the application process if needed.

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Notes:

The Coronation Living Heritage Fund supported by £2.5m in funding has been made available through Defra’s £758m Nature for Climate Fund to allow county, unitary, metropolitan, London borough, district and city local authorities the chance to apply for up to two grants for projects ranging between £10,000 and £50,000. The funding will support the development of micro woods and community orchards and commemorate the King’s Coronation. Funds can be distributed across projects in their area.

Through the England Trees Action Plan and supported by the £758m Nature for Climate Fund Defra will help to transform the treescape and the forestry sector helping to put the UK on track to meet net zero targets, reverse the decline in nature and support economic growth.

Date published: 6 November 2024