Veolia’s nationwide orchard now stands at over 1,500 apple and pear trees and 1,900 strawberry plants, with each of the 500 schools joining an environmental network which encourages sustainable practices and outdoor learning.
This year’s saplings are from Tom Adams Fruit Tree Nursery in Shropshire. The 30 new seedlings have become a part of Veolia’s family tree across 6 schools in Merseyside and Halton:
- Brookfields School
- St Marie's Catholic Primary School
- St Albert's Catholic Primary School
- English Martyrs Primary School
- Haydock English Martyrs Primary School
- Cathcart Street Primary
Veolia Orchard aims to connect children with nature, achieved even in the most urban settings with strawberry plants provided for schools with smaller outdoor spaces. This spring, Veolia’s hands-on planting events have guided students through proper planting techniques and how to care for their orchard correctly. The sessions help children understand how their orchard benefits their school by enhancing their green spaces and gaining access to fresh locally-grown fruit.
Donald Macphail, Chief Operating Officer UK Treatment at Veolia said: “I am proud to see the Veolia Orchard initiative bringing tangible environmental benefits directly to Merseyside and Halton’s communities. Each fruit tree or strawberry plant not only enhances local biodiversity but creates green space that will benefit residents for generations to come. The reception this project has received from schools across the country shows just how important these green initiatives are to our local communities.’’
The Veolia Orchard scheme will return again in autumn, with the launch of the new school term. Schools will be able to apply for their own orchard or strawberry patch and join the hundreds of schools already enjoying the fruitful benefits of their plants.