Shoebury volunteers and council staff work together to establish a new community orchard for all to enjoy
Earlier this month, 16 locally sourced apple trees were planted as part of a joint project between Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Parks Team and the East Beach Residents Association (EBRA).
These young trees form the beginnings of an orchard set to become a well-loved community asset for future generations. Plans for this project will see up to 100 heritage fruit trees of mixed variety planted in the meadow, as well as a surrounding native hedge.
As well as providing fruit to residents and improving the natural landscape of the site, this orchard will offer shelter and habitat for wildlife to boost biodiversity in the area.
The Big Sparks Fund helped residents bring this idea to life- the project received £3,000 in funding through Big Sparks, which is a citywide initiative offering grants to residents, businesses and community groups wanting to make their neighbourhoods healthier, happier and safer. Visit the Council’s Big Sparks page to learn more about the community projects funded across the city through this scheme.
To help the orchard thrive, the trees will be allowed time to establish over the next two years. After that, the Council’s Parks Team will help train local residents on pruning techniques and orchard care. By offering the community the skills needed to take ownership of the space, the Council hope that the orchard will remain well looked after, continuing to offer both environmental and social benefits to all involved.
We encourage residents to visit the orchard for themselves- you may be inspired to do something similar in a green space near you!