Royal Borough launches new £27,000 community orchard initiative

The Royal Borough has announced a £27,000 community orchard initiative designed to improve biodiversity and community engagement with the environment.

Community groups, schools, landowners and residents have been invited to apply for a maximum grant of £6,000 from the pot, with bids open till January 24.

Five new orchards are expected to be funded through the scheme and the council has advised ongoing support will be offered to successful applicants.

Cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, councillor Karen Davies (Clewer East) said:

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been successful and been awarded funding to enable this project, which not only supports our climate change and biodiversity ambitions, but is a wonderful way to get the community involved in a fun and healthy activity."

Once successful bidders have been identified, the council will provide advice on planting and offer on-site visits for further support.

There is also expected to be opportunity to develop networks between the winning applicants and volunteer groups to help plant and fence the orchards.  

Planting is intended to take place in February and March.

There has been a drive to plant more trees in the borough, but Cllr Davies said the council wanted to ‘expand’ this and give more residents the chance to ‘make a positive contribution to their environment, while also learning more about wildlife and conservation’.

Environmental policies of the borough have come under scrutiny after a nationwide review of council actions towards achieving net zero.

The review identified RBWM performed below average in categories for biodiversity and transport. 

Cllr Davies added: “We know from historical data that as a borough, we have lost many of our historic orchards, along with the cultural value and niche habitats they offer.

“This scheme can act as a counterweight to that decline and gives us the opportunity to improve our environment for people and nature.

“Planting trees helps to sequester carbon dioxide, enhances biodiversity, and creates green spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The borough is the lead authority for Berkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and this scheme can align with that emerging strategy, helping us to promote habitat creation.”

The £27,000 funding has been secured through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund which was developed to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and support the plating of new trees.

To apply, visit: https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/orchards.

Paper copies of application forms are also available from all libraries in the borough.