FUNDING is now available to help create new community orchards and mini forests across Worcestershire.
The scheme, uses The Coronation Living Heritage Fund, is open to parishes and community groups who can apply for advice, guards and other materials.
It is aimed at community involvement with volunteers, Tree Wardens, schools and local groups,
There are already over 25 community orchards in Worcestershire, including sites in Chaddesley Corbett, Tenbury Wells, Headless Cross, Ombersley, and Pershore.
The funding will be used by the Council to supply the trees and materials, and then local people can join in on the planting and looking after the orchard.
Sites looking to apply must have a level of community engagement and access, but can be on public or private land by agreement.
Coun Emma Stokes, cabinet member for the environment at Worcestershire County Council said: “Growing fruit locally can help bring people together.
“This funding can be used to both grow and celebrate the county’s rich orchard heritage and improve local areas for people, recreation and wildlife.
“This funding provides a great opportunity to put our orchard heritage at the heart of our local communities here in Worcestershire, and get people growing fresh fruit in their neighbourhood or to boost local biodiversity by planting a mini forest.”
Email: [email protected] for more information.
