Community orchard project brings new fruit trees and wildlife benefits to Lawley

Bournville Village Trust (BVT) has completed the first phase of an exciting community tree planting project in Lawley, helping to create greener spaces, support local wildlife and encourage community food growing.

Thanks to funding secured from the International Tree Foundation, BVT has planted a variety of fruit trees across the community, adding to the 371 trees it already manages within its stewardship area.

Working with local schools, nurseries, care providers, community organisations and residents, apple, cherry, pear and plum trees have been planted at:

• Lawley Village Primary Academy
• Newdale Primary School & Nursery
• Lawley Primary School
• Telford Hall Care Home
• Ladygrove Primary School
• Sanctuary Supported Living
• Kids Planet
• Puddleducks

The project forms part of BVT’s ongoing commitment to improving the local environment while supporting the Incredible Edible initiative, which encourages communities to grow and share food locally.

The trees were supplied by Meadowdale Nurseries in Horsehay, which also provided expert advice on selecting the most suitable varieties for each location.

Benefits for people and wildlife

As well as providing seasonal fruit for local communities to enjoy in the future, the new trees will play an important role in supporting biodiversity.

Fruit trees blossom early in the year, providing a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter. They also help create connected habitats, often known as “bee superhighways” or B-Lines, making it easier for wildlife to move through the landscape.

Later this year, BVT will begin the second phase of the project by planting almond, walnut, chestnut and hazelnut trees. These species will provide valuable food for birds and small mammals during the winter months while further strengthening biodiversity across Lawley.

The orchard project builds on a number of environmental initiatives already delivered by BVT and the Lawley Green Group, including planting herbs in community spaces, installing bug hotels and hedgehog homes, and distributing wildflower seeds to residents to help create pollinator-friendly habitats.

Lindsey Powell, Community Development & Partnership Officer at Bournville Village Trust, said:

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together towards a shared goal. Securing funding from the International Tree Foundation has enabled us to expand our tree planting programme significantly, creating lasting environmental benefits while supporting local food growing and wildlife.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the schools, nurseries, care providers, community organisations, residents and project partners who have helped make this initiative a success.”

Could your organisation host a tree?

BVT is now looking for additional locations for the second phase of planting later this year.

If your school, community group or organisation would like to host one of the new trees, we’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] for more information.