North Tyneside groups urged to apply for money to create orchards

Whitley Bay Community Orchard and Allotment, was created 12 years ago and has 40 trees

Community groups in North Tyneside are being urged to apply for money to plant orchards on derelict land and small spaces.

North Tyneside Council has secured £11,300 from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, set up to create legacies in honour of King Charles III.

The council said the project affirmed its commitment to tackle climate change as trees reduce carbon emissions.

Applicants must have room for a minimum of five trees.

Whitley Bay Community Orchard and Allotment, was created 12 years ago with funding from the council and other partners.

It is now flourishing, with more than 40 fruit trees and the group has plans to host a hive of bees.

Applicants for funding much have space for a minimum of five trees

Jean Morrison, the group's secretary, said: "We started out with some abandoned land, covered in bramble and rubble, with lots of anti-social behaviour problems.

"We've now transformed it into a haven for the community. It's for everyone to use, including children and community groups.

"The plot is narrow, but you can create an orchard from the most surprising of places. I'd definitely encourage others to start their own."

An orchard is defined as a collection of fruit and sometimes nut trees.

Jean Morrison, who helped create a flourishing orchard in Whitley Bay, said it was a "community haven"

Sandra Graham, Labour councillor for Whitley Bay and the council's cabinet member for climate emergency, said the council's ambition was to be carbon net zero by 2030.

"We're proud of the work we do to increase bio-diversity across the borough," she added.

"Orchards contribute to pollinator populations and are an opportunity for schools and the community to learn new skills, like wildlife identification, horticultural skills, and maintenance of the trees."

The funding covers a one-off payment to set up an orchard, with a small allowance the following year to plant replacement trees, the council said.