Wealden District Council
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Wealden Community Orchard Grant Programme

We’re thrilled to announce that the Wealden Community Orchard Grant Programme was shortlisted for an LGC Award in the Community Involvement category.

Celebrating Community-Led Orchards Across Wealden

This initiative has brought community driven green spaces to life, enhancing biodiversity, supporting local food production, and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. The programme has approved funding for 13 community orchards across Wealden, thanks to the passion and commitment of the following groups:

Locations:

Crowborough Community Orchard, Crowborough – 41 additional trees.

Owlsbury Farm Allotments, Crowborough – 10 trees.

Total Grant Awarded: £3,820.24

Location:

War Memorial Sports Grounds, East Hoathly – 10 trees.

Grant Awarded: £988.56

Location:

Rush Green, Forest Row – 17 trees.

Total Grant Awarded: £2,655.24

Location:

Grovelands Community Primary School – 4 additional trees.

Grant Awarded: £1,607.24

Location:

Theobalds Green Allotments – 24 trees.

Grant Awarded: £1,952.25

Location:

Hellingly Country Park – 30 trees.

Grant Awarded: £3,705.24

Location:

Merrieweathers Farm – 5 additional trees.

Grant Awarded: £1,340.24

Location:

Ripe – 40 trees.

Grant Awarded: £3,205.24

Location:

The Crossing, Forest Row – 40 trees.

Grant Awarded: £2,880.24

Locations:

  • New Barn Recreation Ground, Uckfield – 15 trees.
  • Ridgewood Recreation Ground, Uckfield – 10 trees.
  • West Park Recreation Ground, Uckfield – 15 trees.

Total Grant Awarded: £3,090.24

The grant programme has supported these groups in creating new vibrant community orchards and enhancing existing ones, delivering a range of benefits including:

  • Creating stronger community bonds
  • Expanding access to green spaces
  • Providing valuable habitats for wildlife
  • Encouraging the development of green skills

Planting for the Future

The planting season for these orchards is set to begin this winter, with trees taking root across Wealden up until Spring 2026. Each orchard will bring its own unique contribution to the community, creating shared spaces that will grow and flourish alongside the people who care for them.

Growing Together

If you’d like to get involved in a local planting event or learn more about the programme, please contact the relevant group directly.

Together, we’re planting for a greener, healthier, and more connected Wealden.

Thank you to all the successful applicants for your dedication to making a lasting impact!

Made Possible by the Coronation Living Heritage Fund

Back in November 2023 we were awarded £27,756 from the Nature for Climate Fund: Coronation Living Heritage to support the development of Community Orchards in the district.

We asked schools, residents’ associations, village hall trusts, parish and town councils, businesses, community and voluntary groups, charities, not for profit organisations, and landowners with publicly accessible land to bring fruit and nut trees to life, creating vibrant community orchards that benefit everyone.