Grants are available for groups to create community orchards in the borough for people to enjoy for generations to come.
Funding has come from the Coronation Living Heritage fund made available through Defra’s Nature for Climate fund to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and groups can apply to create community orchards that are easily accessible to the public.
Eligible groups including schools, charities, community groups, residents’ associations and town and parish councils can apply. This scheme will fund projects between the value of £200 and £5000 and will pay for items including trees and tree protection, commemorative signage, fencing and gates.
Cllr Adam Brook, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity which will not only lead to enjoyment for people and improve their wellbeing, but will also enhance our natural environment for generations to come. We’re proud of our support for tree-planting in Redcar and Cleveland and I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this scheme.”
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said:
“I’m thrilled that this funding will provide opportunities for our communities to get involved with improving access to nature in our urban areas. Community orchards can help communities be more resilient to the impacts of climate change, like flooding, and heatwaves; they also offer free, healthy food and leisure, education and recreation space for residents and visitors.”
Orchards are great spaces for people to come together as a community and to come together with nature. They provide food for communities and vital food and shelter for birds, mammals, and pollinators. Nature-rich spaces with trees also help our environment by capturing carbon and other pollutants from the air, helping us to keep cool in warmer weather and reducing surface water during heavy rain.
Grants are available to eligible groups. For more information, to check eligibility, or to apply for a grant please go to https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/tree-planting-grants-for-community-orchard-creation.