Veolia is inviting schools in the UK to increase biodiversity and become a part of its family tree by growing their own strawberries or nurturing their own orchard of fruit trees as the Veolia Orchard programme enters its third year.
The initiative donates fruit trees to allow young people to experience the benefits of working with nature.
291 schools have taken part since its launch in 2022, receiving 1,085 fruit trees and 780 strawberry plants donated by the environmental services provider.
The nationwide family of orchards now consists of clusters of trees or strawberry patches at schools in 29 local authorities around the country.
After launching with fruit trees donations, in 2023 the scheme expanded to include strawberry plants, ensuring that urban schools with limited outdoor green space could also participate.
Each orchard comprises either five trees or ten strawberry plants per school, an individual component of a much wider network.
Schools can apply online from 9 September to 8 November.
I am especially happy to see this initiative continue to flourish in urban schools where there are typically fewer opportunities to interact with the environment.
Successful applicants will hear back from 25 November with deliveries taking place in spring 2025.
Schools can opt for an interactive planting event where Veolia’s experts guide students through their planting whilst educating them on its long-term benefits to the community and environment.
Visit https://www.veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard to apply.
"I am especially happy to see this initiative continue to flourish in urban schools where there are typically fewer opportunities to interact with the environment.
Not only are we boosting biodiversity by introducing new fruit tree species, creating habitats for pollinators, and enhancing the genetic diversity of cities with urban farming, we’re planting the seeds for a more sustainable future.”
Visit https://www.veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard to apply.
