The second round of a grant scheme aimed at supporting the creation of green spaces and encourage tree planting is open.

Rother District Council’s Coronation Community Orchard Grant Scheme offers grants ranging from £500 to £5,000 to cover the cost of planting at least five fruit or nut trees in a new or existing community orchard.

As well as involving the planting of new trees, the projects must also benefit a Rother community.

This could be through engaging the community in the setting up, planting, or maintaining of the orchard, or giving the community free access to the orchard for activities and events, or to harvest the fruit.

Cllr Kathryn Field, the district council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate strategy said: “The first round of funding led to 10 community orchards being planted across the district, incorporating 131 new fruit and nut trees.

“I’m looking forward to seeing even more community orchards planted in towns and villages across Rother with the second round of the funding.

“I would urge community groups, organisations, charities, schools and our local councils who would like to create an orchard for their community to find out more and apply for a share of the funding.”

The grant scheme has been made possible thanks to almost £50,000 awarded to Rother District Council from DEFRA’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund – set up to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. The scheme will remain open until either all the available grant funding has been allocated or until midnight on Sunday, November 30, whichever is sooner.

For more information on the Coronation Community Orchard Grants Scheme and to apply visit https://www.rother.gov.uk/benefits-grants-and-funding/coronation-community-orchard-grants-scheme/

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Published: 15th July 2025