Grants available for communities to grow orchards

Grants of up to £3,500 are being offered to help communities across the Wealden district to create, restore, and enhance community orchards.

The Wealden Community Orchard Fund is part of Wealden District Council’s wider work on climate action, biodiversity recovery, and community wellbeing. Community orchards provide spaces for people to connect with nature, learn new skills, grow food, and strengthen community ties.

The fund is open to a wide range of community-focused organisations which meet eligibility criteria, this includes community and voluntary groups, community interest companies, town and parish councils, local schools, residents’ associations, friends-of groups, environmental or horticultural organisations, and registered charities.

Projects may include planting new orchards, expanding or enriching existing ones, or bringing neglected orchards back into community use. Funding can also support orchard-related community events and educational activities such as forest schools, as well as biodiversity improvements like wildflower planting or wildlife habitats.

The aim is to help communities create shared outdoor spaces that support nature, food growing, climate action, and social wellbeing.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change, said, “It’s fantastic to see the success of the first round of the Wealden Community Orchard Fund and the enthusiasm it’s generated across our towns and villages. Orchards are more than just trees, they’re places for people to connect, learn, and take part in caring for their local environment. We’re delighted to be able to offer further funding to help communities grow greener together.”

Applications open today and close on 30 January. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in February 2026, and all funded projects must be completed by 1 March 2027.

Applicants are advised to read the full Guidance Document before starting their application. The document can be found on the council’s Climate Change Hub | Let's Talk Wealden or a copy can be requested by emailing sustainability@wealden.gov.uk.

To receive an Application Pack, groups should email sustainability@wealden.gov.uk. Completed application forms and supporting documents must also be submitted to the same address before the closing date. Organisations wishing to discuss their project idea or seeking help with the application please contact the Climate Change Team for advice and support.