Growing community orchards
Communities in the Lincoln area can apply for free fruit trees to plant and grow accessible orchards to benefit all.
Anyone can request a tree from North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) including local groups, charities, and schools, providing it will be planted where the public can enjoy and harvest the fruit.
Cllr Richard Wright, NKDC Council Leader said: “These orchards will provide a resource for the communities that host them going forward, as well as a boon for wildlife and biodiversity, and by including some Lincolnshire heritage species, people will be able to reinforce and enjoy some living history right on their doorsteps.”
The offer has been made possible by two separate initiatives - the Coronation Living Heritage Fund to mark the King’s coronation supplied one or more packs of five fruit trees with 50 individual specimen trees to coming from the council’s own initiative to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
“The formation of NKDC had a great impact on the area in 1974 and our teams - many of whom were born and raised locally or live within the district – have a proud heritage of supporting our ‘district of flourishing communities’,” added Cllr Wright echoing the authority’s motto.
“We want to continue that action, and these commemorative trees are just a small symbol of that commitment.
“We’d love to see the trees planted far and wide around North Kesteven, and hope that they will offer pleasure to the communities that host them, as well as boosting biodiversity and making a contribution towards capturing carbon from the atmosphere.”
Those applying for free trees can request a single specimen tree, or packs of five or more fruit trees, along with planting packs and advice to help establish community orchards ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday December 20, but will close sooner if capacity is reached. Visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/communitytrees for more information and to apply.