Worcestershire County Council’s successful bid to the Coronation Living Heritage Fund will start to bear fruit this winter with the planting of up to 30 new community orchards across the county.
Community groups, volunteers and schools will be planting young apple, pear and plum trees at a wide range of locations in a celebration of Worcestershire’s rich Orchard heritage.
The first of the winter plantings took place on December 12 in Catshill.
Local residents worked alongside pupils and staff at Catshill First School to plant 30 new trees along with daffodil bulbs and a new hedge, creating a new public greenspace as a place of blossom, fruit and local wildlife.
Councillor Emma Stokes, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Worcestershire County Council said: “Locally grown fruit has the power to bring communities together, and this project is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Worcestershire's orchard heritage. By establishing new orchards, we’re not only creating spaces for people to enjoy fresh air and outdoor activity but also empowering communities to grow and care for fresh fruit right in their own neighbourhoods. I’d like to thank County Councillor Shirley Webb for the fantastic work she has done with the community and the team to help bring the first of our winter plantings to life.”
All the new orchards should be completed by Easter 2025.
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