George plants community orchard in Lydney

Our tenant George has planted six fruit trees in Rodley Square, Lydney, to make his neighbourhood a nicer place for everyone who lives there.

George came to us last year to ask if he could plant some apple trees in a grassy area that we own near his home. After checking with other people that live in the area, we agreed this would be a great thing for the neighbourhood and were happy to give him permission.

To pay for the new trees, George applied for a Community Grant 2024-2025 from the Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC). The grants are available to voluntary and community groups to help build stronger communities. George was awarded £500 towards a tree orchard and wildflowers.

Since receiving the funding, George has cleared out the space, bought wildflower seeds and planted the trees. He planted five apple trees of different varieties and one quince tree, and the trees have already started to blossom.

Liz Evans our Executive Director of People & Neighbourhoods, recently visited the newly planted orchard with team members from our neighbourhood housing, and community engagement teams. They were joined by Lin Waters, Community Builder from Forest of Dean District Council to see the great work George has done. Liz thanked George for his hard work and thanked the FODDC for the funding to help improve the area.

Working #Twogether with local partners and supporting projects to make our neighbourhoods places where people love to live, is an important part of our 2024-2027 corporate strategy – ‘Delivering #Twogether’.

We will enjoy watching the beautiful orchard develop and look forward to the trees producing fruit in future years.

Applications for 2025-26 Community Grant are open now and close on 30 May 2025 Community grants and funding – Forest of Dean District Council