South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is pleased to announce it has relaunched its Coronation Community Orchards Scheme following a successful funding round last winter.
The funding, which comes from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), was awarded to SKDC as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF) to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
Community groups, parish or town councils, charities, schools and residents’ associations are invited to apply for up to £1,500* to plant new fruit trees on publicly accessible sites, plus protective spirals and canes, information signage and protective fencing if required.
Orchards deliver a wide range of benefits, from the organic fruit they provide to the opportunity for community engagement. Fruit trees also help us to withstand the effects of climate change, help carbon sequestration and play a role in the filtering of pollution. Fruit trees also support the biodiversity of our local wildlife, where blossom provides a crucial source of nectar for pollinators.
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed orchard will deliver wide benefit, contributing to the sustainability, vitality and well-being of the communities of South Kesteven.
The choice of fruit trees is down to local preferences, but successful applicants will need to outline plans for aftercare of the orchard to ensure it is maintained permanently.
Applications for grants up to £1,500 will be assessed on a rolling basis up to a deadline of 12th January, 2026. The minimum grant is £500. The Awarding Panel will consider higher value grants if applicants can demonstrate the requirement for funding more trees.
To classify as an orchard, trees must be planted in a group of at least five trees.
Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be finished, complete with dedication services, by the end of March 2026.
Guidance from Natural England on the planting and establishment of traditional orchards can be found here.
For more information or to request an application form, please contact the Climate Change Team at climatechange@southkesteven.gov.uk with a short description of the project you would like to undertake and the intended location. A member of the team will be in touch to guide on the application process.