On Monday 21 September, Veolia Orchard opened for applications once more, launched by Great British Bake Off (GBBO) winner Matty Edgell.
> The scheme has enriched communities nationwide since 2022, with the initiative offering fruit trees and strawberry plants to schools and community groups including universities, care homes, and places of worship.
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Celebrity chef and GBBO champion, Matty Edgell has announced the opening of this year’s Veolia Orchard scheme, inviting schools and community groups in Westminster to apply for either five fruit trees or ten strawberry plants.
Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, runs its Orchard scheme in Westminster, where it delivers essential recycling and waste collection and street cleansing services on behalf of Westminster Council. Since 2022, 10 fruit trees and 105 strawberry plants have been planted across 20 schools and 3 community organisations in Westminster. Each orchard is part of an environmental network increasing biodiversity in local areas, with the recipients benefiting from access to home-grown produce and hands-on learning through nature.
The launch announcement was made at Beaumont School, where Veolia celebrated its Orchard Bakes competition, which invited previous orchard recipients to create original recipes inspired by the fruits of their growing orchards. The school in St Albans was crowned the winner for their chutney recipe, made from plums grown in their orchard, donated by Veolia in 2023.
From Monday 21 September to Friday 16 November, schools and other community organisations can apply for their very own orchard. Successful candidates will hear back in December with the delivery of plants taking place in Spring 2027.
Pascal Hauret, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial & Municipal at Veolia said: “The continued growth of Veolia Orchard in Westminster 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.”
Councillor Tim Mitchell at Westminster Council said:
“Westminster council is proud to support the Veolia Orchard scheme, which gives children and communities the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the environment, and play a hands-on role in creating a greener city. The scheme has already helped schools and community groups across Westminster increase local biodiversity and create green spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come. We encourage eligible organisations to apply and look forward to seeing even more orchards take root across Westminster next year.”
Each orchard comes with a free limited supply of Pro-Grow, Veolia’s nutrient-rich soil conditioner made from recycled garden waste, to support early growth of the saplings and seedlings. Applicants can also opt for an interactive session with Veolia’s experts, who guide participants through planting whilst sharing insights on the long-term benefits to communities and the environment.
For more information and to apply, visit veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard
