Veolia Orchard Scheme Opens Applications in Solihull
Schools and community groups can apply for fruit trees or strawberry plants to enhance local biodiversity and provide educational opportunities.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
A young tree being planted in a school garden in Solihull.
Veolia has launched its annual Orchard scheme in Solihull, inviting local schools and community groups to apply for fruit trees or strawberry plants to foster environmental education and biodiversity.
Veolia, responsible for waste collection and street cleansing services for Solihull Council, has announced the return of its popular Orchard scheme. This initiative offers local schools and community organisations the chance to receive either five fruit trees or 10 strawberry plants.
Since 2022, the scheme has seen 20 fruit trees and 20 strawberry plants established across six Solihull schools. These orchards form part of an environmental network designed to increase local biodiversity, providing recipients with access to home-grown produce and practical nature-based learning experiences.
The announcement was made at Beaumont School, which previously won Veolia's national Orchard Bakes competition for its chutney recipe, made from apples and pears grown in an orchard donated by Veolia in 2023. The school is located in St Albans.
Applications for the scheme are open until Friday 20 November. Successful candidates will be notified in December, with plant deliveries scheduled for Spring 2027.
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"The continued growth of Veolia Orchard in Solihull reflects our commitment to environmental education and community engagement. For the past five years, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of these green spaces from school playgrounds to care homes and places of worship. With over 700 schools and community groups already flourishing across our nationwide Orchard network, we hope to branch out this season and reach 1000 orchards. Each one represents another step towards a greener, more sustainable future."
Cllr Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, highlighted the opportunity for groups to connect with nature and support the local environment. He encouraged widespread participation, noting that planting trees contributes to the council's 'Planting Our Future' initiative.
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"This is a fantastic opportunity for schools and community groups to connect with nature, produce their own home-grown fruits, and support our local environment. By planting your own trees, you will also be contributing to our Planting Our Future initiative, helping to make Solihull a greener, healthier place to live, one tree at a time. I would encourage as many schools and community groups in Solihull as possible to take advantage of this offer."
Successful applicants will also receive a limited supply of Pro-Grow, Veolia’s soil conditioner made from recycled garden waste, to aid plant growth. Additionally, participants can opt for an interactive session with Veolia experts to learn about planting techniques and environmental benefits.
Further information and application details can be found at veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard.
