The Veolia Orchard scheme has 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, colleges and universities, as well as
community organisations including care homes, and places of worship.
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Celebrity chef and Great British Bake Off (GBBO) champion, Matty Edgell has announced the
opening of this years Veolia Orchard scheme, inviting schools, colleges and universities, as well
as community groups in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton to apply for either five fruit trees
or ten strawberry plants.
Veolia Orchard is open to education and community organisations across the county and two
cities, where Veolia delivers essential recycling and waste treatment services on behalf of
Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council.
Since 2022, in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, 50 fruit trees have been planted across
10 schools. 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.
Organisations have until Friday 20 November to apply online at veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard for their
very own orchard.
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 can guide participants
through planting whilst sharing insights on the long-term benefits to communities and the
environment.
Successful applicants will hear back in December, with the delivery of plants taking place in Spring
2027.
Donald Macphail, Chief Operating Officer, Treatment, Veolia said: “The continued
growth of Veolia Orchard 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.”