Community groups urged to apply for last of free fruit tree grants

They are now urging other community groups across the county to apply for free fruit trees before the last of the Lancashire County Council orchards funding runs out.

Schools, faith and community groups and parish and borough councils across Lancashire can apply for up to 25 trees from a range of species, including apple, pear, damson, plum, cherry and heritage trees, with some varieties able to bear fruit from the very first year.

The planting season for the trees runs from October to March, so now is the perfect time to apply. Almost £30,000 of the funding has already been allocated, so there is around £19,000 left and applications will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis until the funding runs out.

Saba Iftilchar and Bobby Carr from Pennine Oaks community group in Barrowford spoke on our latest video about their successful bid for 19 trees.

They revealed that the trees will be planted by local schoolchildren, the fruit will be free for the community to pick, and they will also be making jam from the fruit to donate to local foodbanks.

Bobby explained that the group would be holding planting sessions with children from local schools.

He said: "All the surplus fruit that we get after it's been open to the public is going to be given out to local foodbanks and people who are in need."

Saba said: "I’ve worked in the community for the last 15 years, mainly to get people out into green spaces. We applied for the orchard grant and we will be receiving 19 fruit trees.

"We applied for 25 trees but after I spoke to the Treescapes team, I realised that 19 was more realistic and right for the size of the site. The team were so helpful and made the application process much more straightforward. We also applied for a lot of extras to go around the trees and we are very happy with the grant."

Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change, visited the group with Jenni from the council's Treescapes team, to find out more about their vital community work.

Jenni from the council's Treescapes teams said: "We also offer protection for the trees. This includes stakes, guards, ties, mulch - everything to give those trees a really good fighting chance to survive and grow fruit for your community. We have had 21 applications, but there's still money left, so we're really keen to get more groups to apply.

"We even cover crab apple trees, and while we wouldn't necessarily encourage people to eat these, the trees themselves are of a great benefit to wildlife, and they have incredibly long pollination seasons. You can plant a crab apple tree with other apple trees and it will pollinate all of them."

Councillor Shaun Turner said:

"These grants enable community groups to apply for to five 25 fruit trees, including apples, pears, damsons, plums and of course, heritage trees, which are actually trees that were created right here in the North West.

"Community groups of any description, school,  faith, voluntary groups of any type, even parish and town and district councils can apply for this grant. So, get planting and next summer, you can enjoy the fruits of your own labour."

To apply for a grant, go to Lancashire Community Orchard Grant - Lancashire County Council