Local communities could receive up to £10,000 towards the cost of a Coronation Community Orchard thanks to a new tree planting grant.
Between £200 and £10,000 is available from Malvern Hills District Council to support the creation of community orchards within the district, including costs for trees, protection, fencing and installation.
The aim of the fund is for local community orchard creation projects to provide a lasting commemoration of this Coronation year, and to further the King’s lifelong work conserving the natural environment.
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.
Malvern Hills District Council are inviting applications from groups including schools, residents’ associations, community groups, charities, businesses, and parish/town councils to create community orchards on private or public land, which provide community access and engagement opportunities.
Cllr John Raine, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at Malvern Hills District Council said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for communities to participate in habitat conservation. 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.”
Alastair Pounder, Biodiversity Project Officer at Malvern Hills District Council said: “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. They contribute to pollinator populations and are an opportunity for schools and the community to learn new skills such as wildlife identification, horticultural skills, and maintenance of the trees”.
People should visit the link below for more information about the grant, selection criteria, and to apply.
Find out moreThe 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.
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Pictured: Cllr John Raine, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Emma Burton, Parks and Green Spaces Officer, and Alastair Pounder, Biodiversity Officer.
