21 new Community Orchards for North Northamptonshire
Environment06 February 2025
North Northamptonshire Council has received funding to help 21 community groups, schools and parish councils to plant their own community orchards this winter, all of which will be planted on publicly accessible land across North Northamptonshire.
Ranging in size from small sites of five trees to larger ones with up to 100 trees, these new community orchards will provide opportunities for local people to enjoy nature, as well as offering multiple benefits to wildlife.
Funding for the scheme was made available through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, part of a government initiative which celebrates the King’s Coronation and supports tree planting projects across England.
On 28 January, representatives from the schools, community groups and parish councils taking part in the scheme gathered at Coronation Park in Corby to collect their fruit trees and planting kits. In total, 720 fruit trees have been awarded to 21 different groups.
The fruit trees include a variety of traditional and local apples, pears, cherries, plums, quinces and medlars. They were sourced from specialist and certified fruit-growing nurseries to ensure quality and sustainability. Each tree was provided with stakes, mesh guards and mulch mats to support healthy growth.
To help groups care for their orchards, expert guidance has been provided by Adam Cade from Stamford Community Orchard Group. Through workshops and resources, Adam has been sharing knowledge on orchard maintenance, ensuring these trees thrive for years to come.
It’s wonderful to see community groups, schools and parish councils from across North Northamptonshire come together to learn new skills that will help make a positive difference to our local environment.Cllr Helen Harrison, the council’s Executive Member for Climate and Green Environment
Planting these community orchards is a fantastic way of marking the King’s Coronation, while also providing important habitats for wildlife and creating green spaces where our communities can connect with nature for years come.
As well as commemorating His Majesty’s Coronation, the community orchards will make such a huge difference to the area, offering valuable opportunities for education and engagement, while leaving a lasting legacy for our communities and wildlife.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
I look forward to following the progress of these orchards and appreciate the hard work of the community groups making this happen.
Look out for new orchards being planted by the following groups, schools and parish councils:
- Wren Spinney School
- Stanion C of E School
- Lowick Village Hall – Germain Education Foundation
- Kettering Buccleuch Academy
- King’s Cliffe Endowed School
- Wilbarston Primary School
- Little Stanion Primary School
- Isebrook SEN School
- Oundle School
- Laxton Junior School
- Fletton Field Association
- Oundle Town Council
- Brigstock Parish Council
- Gretton Parish Council
- Friends of Sywell Country Park
- Deene and Deenethorpe Parish Council
- Cottingham Parish Council
- Coronation Park Growing Project
- Raunds Town Council