The Coronation Community Orchards Scheme has been relaunched by South Kesteven District Council following an earlier successful funding round.
The council is hoping to support the planting of new orchards this coming winter using money from a fund created to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
New mini-orchards will be planted across the district thanks to SKDC sharing its pot of Government funding to local organisations.
Community groups, parish or town councils, charities, schools and residents’ associations are invited to apply for up to £1,500 to plant at least five fruit trees on publicly accessible sites, plus protective spirals and canes, information boards and protective fencing if required.
Cllr Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “The relaunch of the scheme is great news, and I am looking forward to seeing these new orchards in flower all over the district as a living reminder of the accession of King Charles III.
“Orchards deliver on so many counts, from the organic fruit they provide to the opportunity for community engagement, not to mention helping us to withstand climate change and helping carbon sequestration and the filtering of pollution. Fruit trees also support the biodiversity of our local wildlife, where blossom is a crucial source of nectar for pollinators.”
The choice of fruit trees is down to local preference, 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 January 12th, 2026. The minimum grant is £500, although the Awarding Panel will consider higher value grants if applicants can demonstrate the requirement for funding more trees.
Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be finished, complete with dedication services, by the end of March 2026.
For more information or to request an application form and information on the criteria for funding please contact the Climate Change Team at climatechange@southkesteven.gov.uk
The funding, which came from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), was allocated via grants to communities across South Kesteven to plant a network of new mini orchards to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. The goal was to create lasting legacies in the form of orchards that provide social, environmental, and educational benefits.