Funding for Community Orchards

FUNDING ROUND NOW CLOSED - Successful applicants have been contacted and projects are underway.

We are offering funding and support for the creation of new community orchards within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Our aims are to enhance local biodiversity and create new opportunities for residents to connect with nature through the seasons. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

What is the funding for?

The funding can be spent on the purchase price of trees, tree guards and tree stakes, plus the costs of planting the trees and fencing the orchard. We are defining a ‘community orchard’ as five fruit trees or more, which the community can help look after and access for seasonal events on at least one occasion per year for the next five years.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to residents, businesses, schools, community groups, parishes and private landowners, so long as the new orchard can be made accessible to the wider public at least once per year.

What is available?

We are offering grants of up to £6,000 together with a bespoke package of guidance and support from the Natural Environment team at RBWM to maximise your chances of success. We can help you identify a planting site, order trees and supplies and help you find and organise volunteers to plant the trees.

How will we assess applications?

A panel of Council officers will score applications according to these three criteria:

• Wildlife value: how will the new orchard benefit local wildlife?
• Social value: how will the community benefit from the orchard?
• Viability: how realistic and achievable is the project?

How can I apply?

Please email Alistair Will at alistair.will@rbwm.gov.uk or call 01628 777440 to express your interest and discuss your project. You will need to complete this short application form and submit it by 24 January 2024, but contact Alistair first for advice and support.

Successful applicants will be informed in early February, in time for sites to be prepared and trees ordered for planting in March 2024.

See Important Links (top right) for more information about planting orchards.