Two charities have come together to create a £36,500 community orchard.
Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure and Trees for Cities have been given grants from Redbridge Council and several other organisations to create the 30-tree orchard in Roding Valley Meadow, Buckhurst Hill.
The council has agreed to donate £15,000 to the project. The Veolia Environmental Trust has given £11,500, and the Mayor of London’s London Tree and Woodland Community Grants Scheme has given £10,000.
Chief Executive of Trees for Cities David Elliott said: “Orchards are in decline and under enormous threat from land development, so we are delighted to help address this issue by planting a new orchard.
“It will greatly improve the site for the local community and wildlife and provide food harvesting opportunities for members of the public and local schools.”
Trees for Cities is hosting a tree planting day on January 23, when people can help volunteers plant the orchard.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “We are very pleased that Roding Valley will become home to a brand new orchard which will have benefits for wildlife, the environment and local people.
“I encourage everyone to show their civic pride, don some gloves and get planting on 23 January.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here