Warwickshire’s first two community orchards under the Fruitful Pursuits Coronation Living Heritage Fund were planted in Upper Lighthorne Parish in Stratford-on-Avon, and at the Saltisford Canal Centre in Warwick this November. This milestone celebrates the launch of a transformative initiative designed to create beautiful, sustainable green spaces while commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III.
Cllr Councillor Ben Robinson, Chair of Upper Lighthorne Parish Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who joined in with our Orchard Name competition, we received some fantastic suggestions!
“A huge well done to Danny for their winning name: Natures Nook. We thought it fits the vibe of this part of Upper Lighthorne perfectly, and we can’t wait to see the Nook grow with our community.”
Emma Hills, Upper Lighthorne Community Champion employed by Trustgreen, added: “It has been amazing to work in partnership with the WCC and Upper Lighthorne Parish Council to create our “Nature’s Nook” orchard and we look forward to opening it officially in the Spring. Thank you to the WCC team, our nature group volunteers, the school, Upper Lighthorne Parish Council and Cllr Chris Mills for all the hard work that went into making this happen.“
Councillor Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and create a lasting legacy for future generations. These orchards will provide beautiful spaces for residents to enjoy while contributing to a more sustainable Warwickshire. They reflect our commitment to enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and creating a county that is not only beautiful but also resilient and sustainable.”
The project at Saltisford Canal Centre was a collaborative effort involving local volunteers, site manager Maria Freeman, and trustee Jo Lodge, with guidance from Tara Higgs, Assistant Ecologist at Warwickshire County Council.
To encourage even more Councils and community groups to take part in this exciting initiative, the application deadline for tree planting funding has been extended until the end of 2024. Councils now have more time to apply for support to create community orchards or micro woods. This initiative, funded by Defra’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund, allows local communities to plant a lasting tribute to the Coronation while contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity.
How to apply
Applications for community orchards close at the end of 2024, with planting to be completed by March 2025. Applications for Community Micro Woods, inspired by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki’s high-density planting method, are also open.
For more information or to apply, contact Warwickshire County Council’s Natural Capital team at naturalcapital@warwickshire.gov.uk or visit Tree Planting in Warwickshire – Sustainable Warwickshire