Fruit trees being planted in urban areas

Planting fruit trees in urban areas may seem odd to some – but to the Orchard Project, it’s the perfect match. 

Since 2009, the Orchard Project has planted and maintained 540 community orchards in urban and city areas. By doing this, they're not only creating a bountiful habitat for all sorts of creatures, they're also helping reduce carbon in the atmosphere, and providing food security for people all across the UK.

“Community orchards also contribute to increasing tree coverage," say the charity, "which cools the urban environment, absorbs excess rainfall and creates habitats for wildlife, increasing the city’s biodiversity."

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It's the only national charity dedicated to the creation, restoration and celebration of community orchards. "Our aim is for every household in the UK’s towns and cities to be within walking distance of a productive, well-cared-for, community-run orchard," they say.

Schools making impact

The Orchard Project partners with schools, helping to bring a love of nature, and easy and immediate access to fresh and healthy food to children across the UK. In the middle of the cost of living crisis, where food prices are rising, this is more important than ever.

It has also worked with churches, refugees, and a whole host of other organisations and communities. As well as the environmental benefits, studies have found that gardening helps with stress and can lift your mood.

The Orchard Project describes itself as a “small, yet ambitious charity”, and is set on planting as many fruit trees in urban areas as possible.

By doing this, they hope to make a difference, not just to the environment, but to the people who live in it.

Inspired to act?

DONATE: Donate to the Orchard Project and help them plant more fruit trees.

SUPPORT: Support the Orchard Project by volunteering, and helping to make the world a greener place.