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 01 Oct. 2026 



 

 

 

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.”