Grants available to plant more community orchards

Community groups are being urged to apply for funding across Chichester

Community groups are being encouraged to apply for funding to increase the number of community orchards in Chichester.

A total of £9,000 is available towards a collection of fruit trees grown in public spaces and shared by residents.

It will pay for trees, as well as items including stakes, cages and tree ties.

The orchards help create productive green spaces for connecting communities with nature, improving mental and physical wellbeing and encouraging social cohesion, Chichester District Council said.

The initiative is funded through the government’s £2.5m Coronation Living Heritage Fund and is part of the Tree Chichester District scheme's Community Orchard initiative.

Chichester District Council is also aiming to meet the Environmental Action Plan's goal of increasing land area under tree cover to 16.5% by 2050.

'Precious natural asset'

In the past year, it has supported the creation of two new community orchards in Chichester and Bracklesham, and the expansion of a third in Easebourne.

Jonathan Brown, deputy leader of the council, said 38 different fruit trees had been planted last winter, including apples, pears, cherries, greengages and plums, raising the number of fruit trees planted through the scheme to 178 since 2022.

"We're keen to hear from community groups and parish councils who are interested in planting or expanding more community orchards in the upcoming season that will provide healthy, fresh produce to local communities for decades to come,” he said.

He added: "While increasing tree cover is important, we are also encouraging people to protect and nurture existing mature trees that are safe and healthy.

“Trees are a precious natural asset and, as a natural carbon sink, are a vital part of the fight against climate change."

The fund is open until 17 January 2025, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.